Graduate unemployment is on the increase, with over 6% of engineering graduates still out of work six months after leaving university. This suggests to me that our education system is seriously flawed.

Furthermore, due to the abstract nature of their degrees, many graduates lack direction. They leave university with qualifications but not knowing what career path to follow. This problem must be addressed, not only in universities but also in schools.

I suggest the National Curriculum be rethought to include more vocational training and work-related education. There is action that the private sector can take to move this forward. I would like to point to initiatives such as the Government's specialist school programme, which takes engineering knowledge into the classroom.

This scheme enables engineering-minded students to gain practical hands-on experience of the subject. It is this experience that is so vital and yet currently missing from the school syllabus.

At Moeller Electric we have already contributed to this scheme. I would urge other private companies to follow our example and help direct and educate the next generation of engineers. By supporting budding engineering students in their youth, we will build better qualified engineers for the future.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor

Postscript

Ian Harwood, General manager, Moeller Electric, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire