STEM

Tackling The Skills Gap in British Industry David Greenman

Director, Humiseal

The question is – has Tony Blair’s 1999 Mantra of “Education, Education, Education” and his wishful target of 50% of School Leavers going to University, worked for British Industry?

Back in the 1960’s, only 1 in 20 School Leavers went to University. Most went from Private Schools particularly, those wanting to enter a Profession, i.e., a Doctor, Lawyer, Scientist or an Academic.

Of the other 19, if moderately intelligent, would take an Apprenticeship to learn a Trade, go to a Technical College and more importantly earn a weekly wage. At the end of 4 to 5 years they would qualify as a Technician or an Engineer. They would not have a large debit owed to the Government. If they had studied diligently, they would have gained all round experience and have the potential of a long career ahead.

However, back to Tony Blair’s Mantra – what has been achieved after 23 years? Firstly, a lack of Apprentices in all aspects of British Industry. Subsequently, a lack of experienced Technicians and Engineers to carry British Industry forward.

A large number of University Graduates with “Soft” Degrees in Subjects which do not help them gain a job, are now leaving University with huge debts which will take years to pay back, if ever. All funded by the British Tax Payer.

As Tony Blair’s Son was reported to have said last year, “Many Graduates end up in jobs that would not need a degree in the first place”!!

It is interesting that Tony Blair ‘s Son has set up a Company which helps Tech Firms recruit Apprentices straight from school. Finally, a forward looking Blair – really helping British Industry.

So what can British Schools and Parents do to solve this problem? Firstly the Schools must teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from an early age. Parents could encourage their children in STEM subjects with toys such as Meccano and Lego, introduce them to self build electronic kits and Raspberry Pi’s as they become older.

Schools should forget their KPI’s for Students going to University unless, of course, they wish to go into one of the Professions mentioned above. Guide Students using STEM subjects towards Apprenticeships in British Industry. Provide KPI’s that are more representative of the needs of Industry instead of the aspirations of successive Governments over the last 23 years.

Companies should work with local Schools to encourage Students into Apprenticeships via presentations of their products and the opportunities available. Then invite them to visit their Factories/ Offices for a Tour.

Teaching STEM subjects from an early age and promoting Apprenticeships in Secondary Schools is the way forward for British Industry. The investment in new facilities which Companies are now creating in Great Britain, need Apprentices more than ever before.