Recent study shows difficulties in recruiting Mechanical Engineers as part of a wider STEM workforce shortfall
The shortage of Mechanical Engineers comes on a back drop of STEM education investment as well as rising salaries in the sector. According to the report, there has never been a better time to embark on an engineering career in roles across many different industries.
Power
Power plant engineers ensure machinery is running at optimal capacity and maintain turbines, compressors, boilers, and much more. Mechanical engineers design appliances, are involved in maintenance, health and safety, security and ensuring projects are kept within budget.
The UK government pledged to make all of Britain’s energy green by 2035. This will mean British electricity supply will move away from gas and fossil fuels, focusing instead on nuclear, wind, and solar energy. Therefore, the role of mechanical engineers is as important as ever as the nation races against time to produce environmentally friendly energy.
Automotive
Automotive engineers are skilled at designing blueprints for vehicle components as well as building and rigorously testing them. Moreover, automotive engineers must be skilled at interpreting data, writing in-depth reports, and liaising with suppliers. Therefore, all engineers must be able to work both independently and within a team.
The UK government has pledged to ban all carbon dioxide-emitting cars by 2050, transforming the nature of transport. Therefore, mechanical engineers have never been more important to the industry.
Aerospace
Aerospace and aeronautical engineers are invaluable in contemporary society. Their expert knowledge ensures the correct placement of satellites, safe passage of holiday-goers, and exploration into outer space. And with the UK government investing £1.87 billion into a European space agency, this is unlikely to change in the short term.
Overall, the importance of mechanical engineering has never been greater. As Britain attempts to lower carbon emissions, young engineers represent the future of science.
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