b'Member News July 2022 15Professional DevelopmentIET Skills Survey 2021: buildingThe majority of those who responded to our survey are positive about the future in resilience and preparing for the future terms of economic prospects. However, the skills gap is still a concern, with more than This is the 15th year weve published our skills report, where we examine the current skillshalf reporting shortages challenges, identify barriers and the future skills needed. The survey, which we commissioned andin skills within their own conducted in partnership with YouGov, was delivered to senior decision makers in engineeringworkforces. Engineering businesses. In total, 1,039 respondents from engineering employers completed the survey. employers are calling for help from government Key facts and findings: and the education sector to offer better guidance Current workforce profile Workforce skills Applicants skills and funded training for young people. This is to 27%67% 63%ensure they are prepared of employerswho thinkreport that of those who are experiencing applicants lack technical skillsand equipped with the their UK staffan internal skills gap report gapscontinue to say they are missingappropriate skills for the roles is mostly highin engineering or technical skills. specialist skills/knowledge. that employers need to fill skilled (university level or higher). report49% of employers whoas they start to rebuild after 44%think applicantsthe pandemic and Brexit.gapsdo not have soft skills continue report that they arein these skills at 28%a technician orto think they lack teamwork. Based on the results, we have mostly intermediate of engineeringoutlined key recommendations skilled (A-Level, NVQ 3 level, skilled craft level. 71%for industry, government apprenticeships).41%reportemployers and academia to deliver net gapswho think applicants are in these skills at alacking in technical skills sayzero targets and provide a professional level. that it is specialist skills/knowledge needed for the roleworkforce thats fit for purpose.have a UK staff36%that is likely to be lacking.report 14%gapssay that Read our full survey for that is generallyin these skills33% complexlower skilled (GCSEs, NVQat operative orproblem-solving skills specific more findings, case studies level 2, basic skills or lower). semi-skilled levels. to the situation are the concern. and our recommendations: theiet.org/skillsTeaching tomorrows engineersThe future of our planet is becoming more and more dependent on highly skilled individualsthis is why Product Engineer turned Science Teacher, Chris Wallis BSc, is imparting his wisdom to our next generation of engineers and technicians.Having enough experience to answer,problems. Coming from an engineering why do I need to learn this? is invaluable,background where the job is exactly that says Chris. I have found that the skills Imeans I can relate the learning to the learnt during my engineering career havestudents interests while passing on the stood me in good stead for teaching.valuable skills and thinking needed to I can think of many occasions as anovercome the challenges society faces engineer where others have looked totoday and, in the future, he says.me for guidance, expertise and decisionIf you are coming to the end of your makingstudents are not dissimilar inengineering career and looking to help that they look at a teacher as the experteducate our next generation of engineers in the room for that same guidance. and technicians, Chris would encourage Chris draws from his wealth of real-worldyou to consider going into teaching. examples to teach children the connectionYoull help shape lives, open minds and between engineering and the scienceunlock students confidence to consider and maths they are learning in school. a career in engineering or technology.Children enjoy challenges and solving To learn more, visit: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk Chris Wallis BSc'