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With a requirement for 186,000 people with engineering skills needed annually through to 2024, it’s important that we encourage more young people into engineering. In support, this week our STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) Ambassadors have been taking part in a number of events and practical challenges to inspire the next generation, such as:

• On Tuesday we took part in DYW Fife’s “Developing the Young Workforce ” workshop for engineering employers in Fife. There was a particular focus on foundation apprenticeships and how industry can work more effectively with schools to improve the awareness of STEM career pathways for young people.

On Wednesday we took part in Neuro:Cyber 2; a Cyber Security Challenge UK event, supported by the Cyber Neurodiversity Group, designed to grow engagement, inclusion and understanding of neurodivergent people whose skills are suited to cyber. The UK Cabinet Office Deputy Director for the National Cyber Security Strategy, Mark Sayers, will lead the agenda which will bring together top industry insights, alongside an afternoon of interactive workshops and showcase activities.

• On Thursday we sponsored and attended the Solent Festival of Engineering, a free public event to inspire a new and more diverse generation of engineers into all sectors of the profession, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the variety, creativity and opportunity of engineering careers.

Taking part in this short film, which we have posted on social media this week, colleagues share their experience of the enormous range of rewarding careers available in engineering and in organisations like QinetiQ. They talk about their own career paths, what motivates them in their roles today, and advice for anyone interested in choosing a career in engineering.

Thank you to all of our STEM Ambassadors who have volunteered so far this year. Collectively they have reached over 3,000 young people from more than 80 schools and youth groups through bespoke activities, such as the schools powerboat challenge, and a further 17,700 at large events, including the Royal International Air Tattoo.

If you’ve been inspired by Tomorrow’s Engineers Week and are looking to start your career in engineering, or know someone who is interested in a career in engineering, do take a look at our Early Careers opportunities; our Graduate, Apprenticeship and Year in Industry programmes (starting September 2019) are now live and open for applications until 15 January 2019.