§ 91. Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the number of engineers qualifying in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. NichollsThe continuing supply of engineers is important to the strength of the economy. The number of students graduating in engineering has increased in the last three years. Despite these increases in supply, some employers do find it difficult to meet some of their recruitment needs.
The Government, under the engineering science and technology initiative, have made more resources available to increase relevant higher education opportunities. My Department, through the Training Agency, is also committing resources to encourage retraining and conversion training for adults wishing to pursue engineering careers. In addition, the agency is providing specific support to institutions that promote increases in the number of women and other under-represented groups studying engineering, and to increase general access to engineering and other high-level training opportunities.