HC Deb 02 November 1992 vol 213 cc12-3W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to increase the involvement of the Institution of Electrical Engineers in increasing the number of qualified engineers.

Mr. Forman

My right hon. Friend is aware of the work which the Institute of Electrical Engineers carries out in schools. Its distribution of careers literature and provision of speakers to encourage young people to study engineering is most welcome.

The Government are always pleased to welcome any initiatives from those within the engineering profession, to increase the numbers of qualified engineers.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many engineering places are available in advanced education; how many arc unfilled; and what action he is taking to encourage the filling of unfilled places and to promote the teaching of engineering in schools.

Mr. Forman

Information on "available" and "unfilled" places in engineering is not collected centrally.

The Government are taking a number of initiatives to encourage the study of engineering. In schools the introduction of the national curriculum has made the teaching of technology, science and mathematics compulsory for all pupils from five to 16. Schools are also being encouraged to offer a range of vocational courses, both alongside the national curriculum and also for over-16s, particularly the new general national vocational qualifications. Currently, one in five entrants to engineering degrees enter on the basis of vocational qualifications. In addition initiatives such as the higher introductory technology and engineering conversion courses have encouraged those previously without a science background to study engineering.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what action he takes to ensure that the advanced education sector promotes engineering degrees.

Mr. Forman

The planning and funding of the United Kingdom higher education system is essentially demand led. Higher education institutions are autonomous and recruit according to student demand. However, institutions do receive a higher publicly funded fee for students studying laboratory and workshop courses. This should encourage them to promote courses like engineering.