§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the current and projected estimated demand for engineers in microelectronics; and if he is satisfied that this demand can be met.
§ Mr. WakehamIt is widely accepted that employment opportunities for microelectronics engineers have been increasing and will continue to do so.
Part of the funds of the Department of Industry's microprocessor application project have been set aside for training. The number of places on short practical updating courses for engineers has been increased from 2,500 in 1978 to more than 30,000 now. Assistance has also gone to the Open University for two home study courses—one for managers—4,500 sold since spring 1980—and one for engineers—nearly 1,000 sold since October 1981—and to the Technician Education Council to develop some microelectronic modules for use in its course units—available April 1982.