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In this blog post, we’ll explore differing routes into a career in engineering, and why apprenticeships shouldn’t be overlooked. Can you guess what percentage of our board started life as an apprentice?
According to the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), the country could be short of one million engineers by 2030. This alarming figure is driven by the increasing demand for engineering talent, spurred by over 184 major engineering projects announced since 2020, expected to create 1.2 million jobs. Yet, with the current workforce supply, the question remains: where will these engineers come from?
At iconsys, we witness firsthand the growing skills gap in the engineering sector. As the Head of People and Culture, I see the challenges businesses face in recruiting skilled professionals and the impact this shortage has on the industry.
The reasons behind this deficit are multifaceted, but key contributing factors include an aging workforce, persistent misconceptions about engineering, and a lack of awareness regarding the vast opportunities an engineering career can offer.
One of the biggest barriers to attracting young talent into engineering is the perception of the profession. Many people lack a clear understanding of what engineers do, often associating the role exclusively with complex mathematics and scientific theory. While these disciplines are integral to engineering, the reality is that problem-solving, creativity, and curiosity are just as crucial.
Our Director of Production, Cliff Sedgley, reflects on his own journey into engineering:
Engineering runs in my family, so I followed in my father’s footsteps. I loved problem-solving from a young age, spending hours building with Lego and Meccano. When it was time to choose a career, an apprenticeship was the perfect way to turn that passion into a profession.
His story is not unique. Many engineers enter the field because of an innate desire to solve problems and innovate. However, without sufficient exposure to real-world engineering applications at an early age, many students do not consider it as a viable career path.
One of the most effective ways to bridge this gap is through apprenticeships. At iconsys, we have long championed apprenticeships as a key pathway for young people to enter the engineering sector. We are developing our own iconsys Academy, specifically designed to provide hands-on experience, blending practical education with on-the-job training.
Unlike the traditional university route, which often involves years of study before entering the workforce, apprenticeships offer an ‘earn-as-you-learn’ model. This approach not only provides financial stability for learners but also equips them with industry-relevant skills from day one. Given the rapidly evolving landscape of automation and control systems, this practical experience is invaluable.
Take our board members for example, 50% started their working life as, you guessed it, engineering apprentices.
Our chairman and founder, Trevor Darrall, emphasises the significance of apprenticeships in shaping careers:
I believe apprenticeships are a great alternative to university. They give a solid foundation for a career in engineering.
As an apprentice from the Telford area himself, Trevor’s career path is a testament to the opportunities apprenticeships can unlock. His journey from apprentice to industry leader underscores the long-term benefits of this training route.
Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers; they also provide a viable career change opportunity for individuals later in life. A growing number of people in their mid-20s and beyond are turning to apprenticeships across multiple engineering disciplines.
Take one of our own apprentices, Tom Farquharson, as an example. After deciding on a career change in his mid-20s, he embarked on an apprenticeship at iconsys. Fast forward a few years, and he has recently been promoted to Junior Engineer. His story highlights the flexibility and accessibility of apprenticeships, offering individuals the chance to pivot into an industry with long-term career prospects.
The engineering skills shortage is not an issue that can be solved by businesses alone. It requires a collaborative effort between industry, education providers, and policymakers to change the perception of engineering, improve accessibility to training, and invest in the future workforce.
At iconsys, we are committed to doing our part. Through our apprenticeship programmes and iconsys academy, we are nurturing the next generation of engineers, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. However, to truly bridge the gap, a nationwide effort is required to:
The UK’s engineering future depends on attracting and retaining skilled talent. With a projected shortfall of one million engineers by 2030, the time to act is now. Apprenticeships offer a proven solution to developing a robust talent pipeline, providing young people and career changers alike with an accessible and rewarding entry into engineering.
At iconsys, we are proud to be part of this movement, investing in people, fostering innovation, and shaping the engineers of tomorrow. By championing apprenticeships, changing perceptions, and working collaboratively with the wider industry, we can ensure the UK remains a global leader in engineering and automation.
The next generation of engineers is out there. It’s our job to inspire, support, and empower them to take the leap into a future where they can make a real impact. And as a leading automation solutions provider, we are keen to enable the next generation to forge their own paths.
If you’re considering a career in engineering, look on our recruitment pages for more information, and get in touch.
Milissa Chesters, Head of People & Culture
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