Stevens Institute of Technology’s Post

WHAT'S THE FUTURE OF ENGINEERING? A big question that has had me intrigued for a little while. 1.     There will always be the need for the traditional trades, Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation within organisations, but will other things be pulled in? 2.     With the rise of AI, Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things how will they be covered? 3.     Where will the lines blur between the trades and also start to bring in Automation, IT etc? 4.     Will engineering departments continue to shrink with greater emphasis on outsourcing work? 5.     How are managers bridging the aging workforce issue? Are young people getting into trades through apprenticeships? Outsourcing of engineering activities allows for the use of specialists, with the skills, knowledge and tools to perform tasks. These activities are performed by independent people, allowing easy satisfaction of audit and inspection questions that arise, but do they give value for money for the organisation? Often there are delays in work being completed due to availability of labour, creating downtime within the operations department. The impact is not acknowledged when the option is initially discussed (normally for financial reasons) or additional cost is incurred to mitigate any potential effect. The service provider has profits to make that are in real terms paid by the service receiver. At what point is it better to have the cost as the a site cost? One thing I have seen is a real lack of young people wanting to do engineering trades as a career and wonder why this could be? Is it the lack of awareness being created through the education system? Is it a lack of companies being prepared to run apprenticeships or even YTS style schemes? Is it a government issue? Is it a location issue - The south east certainly does not have the industry that other areas have? Is it a young person thing – not willing to ‘get their hands dirty’, wanting to make ‘decent’ money sooner than build the base knowledge that will provide a career of good money? This is going to be an issue within our aging population, when I started in engineering there was bands of age groups, a lot at 55 yo+, a few at 40-50yo and a couple around 30yo. The older generation spoke about the 200+ engineering apprenticeships at technical schools and colleges across a handful of organisations. Feel free to add your thoughts and opinions (obviously remaining courteous to others). I know there are a lot of thoughts here and I may need to expand in future posts. Lets see what happens….

It’s great to get an update on how some of our engineering apprentices are doing at Perkins Engines Company Limited in Stafford from John Kirkham who is the apprentice mentor there! Q: How would you describe the apprentice's growth in terms of technical skills? A: Our 1st year apprentices started in September and have been using a variety of machinery within our training school workshop. They have now completed many workshop projects on manual and CNC machinery to a very high standard. They are now becoming accomplished young engineers that are confident in the work that they produce. Q: Have there been any notable achievements or accomplishments during the apprenticeship? A: At Perkins we have a scheme called Rewards and Recognition where members of staff can be rewarded for going above and beyond. One of our female 1st year apprentices was rewarded with a £25 gift voucher last month for her extremely neat and tidy report writing. This has now spurred her on to produce more excellent high standard work. Q: How often do you provide feedback to the apprentice, and what has been the general nature of that feedback? A: We provide verbal feedback to all our apprentices on a daily basis and also as part of our monthly 1-2-1 reviews that we have with them. In the reviews we talk about the projects they are working on, the work that they are doing at college and any issues they may have and how to resolve them. Q: How do you gauge the apprentice's overall performance in regular performance reviews? A: We gauge the apprentice’s performance by giving them monthly targets to meet with their project work. In their 1-2-1 reviews, their work is assessed to see if targets have been met or if they have had any issues or reasons why they have not been achieved. Q: What opportunities for professional development have been made available to the apprentice? A: All our apprentices are members of the “Young Professionals”. The “Young Professionals” is a group of professional engineers that arrange trips to other CAT facilities where they can meet people from different fields and backgrounds and develop their own career paths. Q: Have you discussed the apprentice's future goals and aspirations within the company? A: We have many discussions with the apprentices regarding future goals and aspirations. Many of our apprentices express an interest in going onto future education to get a level 6 degree qualification. Q: How do you envision the apprentice's career path evolving based on their current performance? A: Looking at our current performance data I can see our apprentices moving into areas like Assembly, Quality, Logistics and Engineering. They have a bright future ahead if they continue to perform at their current level. If you are interested in starting an apprenticeship, or are a company looking to hire an apprentice, please get in touch with our team by emailing: apprenticeships@southstaffs.ac.uk #apprenticeships #apprentice #engineering

Are you passionate about engineering and eager to kickstart your career in this dynamic field? The journey to becoming an apprentice engineer is an exciting and rewarding one. Choosing Your Engineering Specialisation Before delving into the specifics of becoming an apprentice engineer, it's essential to identify your area of interest within the vast field of engineering. From mechanical and electrical engineering to civil and software engineering, there are diverse specialisations to explore. Each discipline offers unique challenges and opportunities, catering to different interests and skill sets. https://lnkd.in/eJnCjd5S

Today is World Engineering day and marks the start of National Careers Week which runs 4- 9th March. Here at FutureSmart Careers, we will be putting the splotlight on various careers this week starting with Engineering. Our blog has all you need to know about the range of different types of engineering practice, as well as a comprehensive guide to degrees, apprenticeships and jobs. Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/epxejzvA #careersadvice, #worldengineeringday, #nationalcareersweek

Corporate responsibility is often seen as a cost, but fulfilling this responsibility need not be a burden. In fact, one of the most impactful contributions a manufacturing company can make is sharing its accumulated knowledge and collective experience with the next generation of technical trainees. This not only strengthens the local community by expanding the pool of skilled talent, but it also positions the company for future success. By developing local talent, businesses can guide learners through a seamless transition from novice to expert, reducing the need for costly external hires. Additionally, this approach facilitates a more efficient integration of international standards into training, ensuring that industry requirements are built into the learning process from the start. It's a true win-win scenario for both the professional trainee and the business.

Exploring Entry-Level Engineering Pathways: Top 5 Apprenticeships for Beginners Embarking on a career in engineering through apprenticeships opens a gateway to a world of innovation, problem-solving, and boundless opportunities. For beginners eager to delve into the dynamic field of engineering, selecting the right apprenticeship program can set the stage for a rewarding journey towards professional excellence. Here, we explore the top five engineering apprenticeships tailored for beginners, each offering a unique blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge.   What is Engineering and Why is it Important? Engineering, at its core, is the application of scientific principles to design, build, and optimise structures, systems, and processes. It encompasses various disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, among others. Engineering plays a pivotal role in shaping the modern world, from constructing skyscrapers and bridges to developing renewable energy solutions and advancing medical technology. Its importance lies in driving innovation, improving living standards, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. https://lnkd.in/eJTqfTtW

Another Apprentice smashing goals with Programmed Training Services. If you are looking for a company who match the best candidates with the best clients then let’s catch up for a coffee. If you have no idea what we do but are interested in starting traineeships or apprenticeships within your business then let’s catch up for a coffee. #apprenticeship #traineeships #programmedtraining #thefutureisinthisroom #bethechange #goals #programmed

Who remembers this word? Sadly it's something that is seldom used in industry these days and it's no wonder why - there are no where near enough 4 year indentured engineering apprenticeships in our UK process industries. From my biased mechanical background; for example the ability to strip a muti-stage pump in the workshop, take all the necessary checks and readings, re-machine or re-make parts on a lathe or milling machine, rebuild, test and re-install/align on site is a skill that is sadly in decline. The skills and competency that builds over a structured engineering apprenticeship cannot be replicated in short term 'learning' programmes. Fitter/Turners, Pipe Fitters, Mechanical Fitters, Coded Welders - There's a place for academia in all of this but we desperately need 'hands on' craftsmen and women. For us to support our existing industries and to successfully build our future nuclear, carbon capture and hydrogen network projects we MUST invest NOW. We should have invested over the last thirty years, but instead there's been a steady decline - if we mix this with an ageing workforce and of course the existing skills gap, then we are setting ourselves up for disaster. We've all felt the pain during maintenance turnaround events. The carpet fitters, taxi drivers and butchers are beginning to outnumber the competent workers. I know it, you know it... Friday morning we will be waking up to a new Government* it seems - I only hope that they pick up the baton and drive our skills shortage problem across the UK. Many of us have said it during recent IMechE Process Industries Division events; we need a focused approach to the UK skills shortage. A number of round table events consisting of asset owners, contractor companies, institutions, regulatory bodies, training providers - addressing the reality and working together for the greater good. How can we make this happen? I'm always open to suggestions. Contact me; email: chrism@zulujointintegrity.co.uk mobile: 07724201238 #help #keepbeatingthedrum #skillsgap #skills #engineering #competency #investment #ukindustry #handsonlearning #apprenticeships #dotherightthing #knowledge #qualified #experience #STEM #stem

🚜💡 Calling all professionals in the construction and agricultural sectors! 🌱🏗️ Let's talk about the heartbeat of our industries: Our Engineers. 🛠️ In recent years, it's become apparent that the demand for skilled Plant/Ag Engineers is outstripping the supply. 📈 But why is this happening? 🤔 Looking back on my time recruiting in this industry, here are a few observations I've gathered from conversations with industry insiders: 1️⃣ Quality of Apprenticeships: Employers are voicing concerns about the declining quality of apprentices coming through the ranks. From lacking electrical knowledge to shortcuts in mechanical training, it seems the foundation isn't as solid as it once was. Product specific training aside, is there an expectation for a recently graduated NVQ level 3 plant/ag engineer to hit the ground running or are businesses allowing for extra investment in mechanical and electrical training that they didn't need to previously? Or is the curriculum just not being updated with the ever changing technological advances that manufactures are leveraging on new equipment? How can we bridge this gap and ensure our apprentices are equipped for the job? 2️⃣ Changes in Education: The landscape of education is shifting, with apprenticeships being condensed into shorter time frames. But are these fast-tracked courses sacrificing quality for quantity? And what impact does this have on the industry's future? 3️⃣ Global Talent: Interestingly, with this shortage of quality engineers, clients are favoring engineers from certain countries over others, with specific qualifications being favored. How can we ensure fair opportunities for all skilled technicians, regardless of their origin? These observations pose significant challenges for our industries: 🔧 Skills Shortage: As experienced technicians transition into managerial roles or retire, who will fill their shoes? The looming talent gap threatens to disrupt vital projects and industries. 💰 Misconceptions about Salaries: Despite some lucrative opportunities, there's a misconception about the earning potential in our field. I do have permanent jobs out there paying £25+p/h with stacks of overtime however they normally require specialist experience (must have 10 - 15 years working on specialist plant with outstanding communication and leadership skills. Or you have been lucky enough to have worked on 300+ tonne excavators for 10 years (probably abroad) and are happy to work a minimum of 60 hours a week away from home. To put things into perspective, the average salary for engineer roles that I fill are between £37k and £42k basic often on 40 - 45 hour working weeks. This is for a qualified engineer with over 5 years current experience. Whether you like recruiters or not we care about the success of the industry we work in. What I want to know is am I on the right lines with my observations or way off? ✨ #Construction #Agriculture #Engineering #SkillsGap #CareerDevelopment