LMI about Engineering - Connexions Worcestershire

LMI about Engineering There are an estimated 1.4 million people working in engineering in the UK. The largest percentage - 40% - work in the manufacturing sector.
There has been a general trend in engineering for more opportunities to be available at technician and professional level rather than at craft and operative level. However, there are some vacancies at all levels as people retire and new industries grow.
Craft or Technician are the most common levels entered at 16/18+ - usually via an Apprenticeship. To enter at professional level you will need a degree or similar level qualification. You can gain professional level qualifications at the same time as working and progress up the ladder from craft to technician and from technician to professional engineer.
The West Midlands is one of the largest centres in the UK for mechanical and manufacturing engineering - with 10,700 engineering manufacturing employers employing 276,000 people.
Growth sectors in engineering include the UK 's: leisure boatbuilding manufacturing industry.(eg large company 'Sealine' building luxury yachts in Kidderminster)
aerospace industry - although only employing 7% of engineers this is the largest in the world outside the USA.
There are also skills shortages at automotive technician engineer level, as cars become more technological - with electronic and computer systems used as standard on new and recent models.