A Transport for London (TfL) and London Transport Museum run educational programme aimed at pre-school and primary school children hopes to inspire new careers in engineering, amid Britain’s engineer shortage
A new initiative designed to help tackle the shortage of skilled engineers was launched on Thursday, November 24 by TfL. The scheme provides hands on activities to over 7,000 pre-schoolers with the aim to encourage children onto the career path of an engineer.
‘Enjoyment to Employment’ is an educational programme at London Transport Museum, offering the chance for children (from toddlers to teenagers) to engage with a range of skills and employability activities that enthuse them about the world of work.
With real engineering tools such as hard hats, uniforms and specialist testing equipment – the scheme aims to inspire through play and develop an understanding of what may be required of them.
Speaking at the launch, London’s Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown MVO, said: “We are facing a skills shortage within the transport industry and it is vital that we work together to tackle this challenge. Capturing the imagination and curiosity of children is part of the solution. We need more schemes to ensure that children from an early age are inspired to pursue a career in engineering.”
Sam Mullins, Director, of London Transport Museum, said: “The new initiative will provide hands-on activities to over 7,000 pre-schoolers, acting as a bridge between children and young people and industry. This will be the first time that engineering classes will really be offered to children of primary and nursery age helping both parents and teachers understand the opportunities offered by transport and engineering.
“This target will be in addition to over 145,000 children and young people that already participate in education programmes provided by the Museum.”
A recent report by Engineering UK concluded that Britain needs 69,000 (figures on skills shortage from ‘The state of engineering report, 2016’ produced by Engineering UK) more engineers than it is currently producing every year just to meet industry demand. London Transport Museum believes that while there is much excellent work being done with A-level and Undergraduate students, the best way to increase the numbers and diversity of young people considering careers in transport and engineering is to start young, harnessing a child’s early enthusiasm for transport.
