Institution news Securing the future


You would have to have landed from another planet not to be aware of the economic challenges faced currently by the UK, other countries in Europe and elsewhere. One has to be cautiously optimistic at how technology, engineering, advanced manufacturing, design and associated creative industries are so widely discussed by politicians, economists, and business leaders as being central to recovery, growth and ‘re- balancing’ the UK economy.


Engineering UK, previously known as the Engineering and Technology Board, has the purpose of promoting the vital contribution made by engineers and engineering and technology, and providing inspiration for people to pursue a career in engineering and technology. This is done in collaboration with stakeholders including government, education and training providers, professional engineering institutions, the Engineering Council and Royal Academy of Engineering.


Get Involved


If you would like to contribute to any discussions write to David Maffin, Chairman, at The Institution of Engineering Designers, Courtleigh, Westbury Leigh, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 3TA or email: david@ied.org.uk


Engineering UK’s flagship report Engineering UK 2012: The state of engineering has recently been published. It highlights that the engineering sector contributes a quarter of all business in the UK, and employs about 5.6 million people. A critical conclusion is that, to adapt to meet the needs and challenges of a changing world, the industry will need about another 2.2 million skilled people over the next 5-10 years. Central to this has to be a focus on early education, inspiration and career guidance to young people, in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).


This brings me to the teaching of design and technology (D&T). It plays an essential role in inspiring young people to enter careers in design and technology industries – sectors in which the UK is highly competitive. It is also essential in providing opportunities to develop creative and practical skills needed in a modern technological world. The Department for Education is undertaking a significant review of the national curriculum (see www.education.gov.uk/ schools/teachingandlearning). There is a possibility for D&T to become optional


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and, therefore, taught at the discretion of schools, as a result of the National Curriculum Review.


A number of organisations and well known individuals are supporting a campaign to secure the future of D&T education. Support for the campaign comes from a wide spectrum of the design practice, including engineering design, product design and industrial design through to fashion and other areas in the creative design professions. Visit the campaign website (www. believeindandt.org.uk) to get the thoughts of prominent supporters such as Sir James Dyson, Dick Powell (CEO of industrial designers Seymour Powell), Andreas Goss (CEO of Siemens UK), Wayne Hemmingway and Paul Smith.


I think it is vital for all of us working and interested in design to be aware of these important changes. Please visit the DoE and D&T Campaign websites to find out more and draw your own conclusions. If, like me, you are moved to support the campaign, then why not sign the petition?


One final thought. I came across this simple but lovely quote recently:


“I am an engineer, I serve mankind, by making dreams come true” – Anon.


If you have any comments or would like to know more about being involved in the IED please contact me at david@ied.org.uk


David Maffin


Dr David Maffin PhD, BEng, CEng, MRINA, MIED, Chairman


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