§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will take steps to encourage more young people to study engineering. [3567]
§ Dr. HowellsThe National Curriculum makes the study of science, mathematics and technology compulsory for all pupils between the ages of 5 and 16, and this provides a suitable grounding for young people to move on to the study of engineering.
More specifically, the Government is working in partnership with the industry itself to promote career prospects in engineering. We are currently involved with a wide range of engineering bodies, institutions, and major UK companies in the Year of Engineering Success campaign. This is intended to demonstrate the vital role played by engineering in the economy and in daily life and to encourage young people to consider engineering as a career.