An action plan to attract new entrants to Scotland’s engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors has been launched amid continued fears of a skills shortage.
It is thought 2,500 people leave the Scottish industries’ ageing workforces every year, creating job opportunities for new trainees, apprentices and school-leavers.
But industry must work alongside education organisations to ensure new recruits are appropriately trained if it is to continue to thrive.
Priorities include improving awareness of careers in engineering and addressing the sector’s gender imbalance by encouraging more women to enter a trade worth £9 billion a year to the Scottish economy.
The Skills Investment Plan was launched at Glasgow Science Centre yesterday at a reception for key industry figures and employers.
“This action plan is more than just an aspiration, it’s a necessity given the fundamental importance of engineering as a key driver of the nation’s economy,” said Skills Development Scotland chair John McClelland.
“We have worked in partnership with key skills groups, industry stakeholders and employers to develop an action plan which has a pivotal role to play in ensuring that Scotland’s engineering and manufacturing business base is promoted and nurtured.
“Only if we do this can we inspire this generation and future generations of young people to pursue a career in engineering and advanced manufacturing, cementing Scotland’s place at the forefront of the industry.”
The move was welcomed by Bryan Buchan, chairman of industry body Scottish Engineering, and Selma Hunter of engineering firm Doosan Babcock.
“This document sets out the strategy of sector engagement and how we plan to address some of the potential skills challenges the sector faces,” she said.