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Energy suppliers concerned over lack of engineering graduates

19/08/2010 Energy suppliers concerned over lack of engineering...Some of the UK's leading energy suppliers have highlighted their concern that there are not enough young people pursuing careers in science and engineering.

Students choose media over science

A study by energy supplier Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, surveyed 2,000 A-level and undergraduate students and found that more than half (55 per cent) would not consider a career in science, technology or energy.

The firm said that the results were concerning, as around 70 per cent of the UK's nuclear workforce will be retired by 2025.

Instead, students were more interested in a career in media and entertainment, the survey found.

Vying for university places

Details of the survey come ahead of A-level results day on Thursday (August 19th), when thousands of young people will find out if they have a place at university.

Applications organisation UCAS reported an 11.6 per cent increase on the number of applications this year, and according to Professor David Green, vice-chancellor at the University of Worcester, as many as 200,000 people will be left without a place, he told the Independent.

The government has pledged to increase the number of university places by 10,000, but these will only be available in key areas for the future of the economy in science, maths, technology and engineering.

Sam Laidlaw, chief executive of Centrica, commented: "The government plans for 400,000 jobs to be created in UK green industries by 2015. Yet, unless we convince young people of the exciting and rewarding careers available in energy today, the UK will lack the skills to take advantage of the green agenda."

"Climate change will affect all our lives. Ensuring we have the expertise and skills needed to meet the challenges it brings is the responsibility of the industry, the education sector and parents," he added.

Lack of parental support

The study revealed that one in four parents would not actively recommend a career in science to their children, citing the unsuitability of the job for women and a lack of information about the work involved.

This has led a number of energy companies including EDF, E.ON and the National Grid to join the call for more people - women and men - to choose a green technology career path.

Jon Butterworth, operations director of the National Grid told the Daily Telegraph: "National Grid would like to see industry and government working consistently on a campaign to inspire people to acquire the skills needed to be part of a low-carbon future.

"We need to counter stereotypical images that engineering is boring or geeky. We need young people to want to get involved."


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