Grass may be greener at home

A recent survey by insurance group Aviva UK Health has found that more than half of those questioned are considering leaving the UK for pastures new. Of the 1000 consumers aged between 18 and 45 who were questioned, 54% indicated that they would contemplate a move overseas.

While the survey was not targeted at a particular industry, its findings are not good news for those in the engineering sector where future skills shortages are already regarded by some as a 'demographic time bomb'.

Research by Sector Skills Council Semta shows that 32,000 new employees will be needed across the UK engineering, manufacturing and science sectors each year between now and 2016 to cover retirements and industry growth. Semta research also reveals that the UK's 1.8 million engineering and manufacturing employees produce a significantly higher 'Gross Value Added' (GVA) than the UK national average, demonstrating the important contribution the sector is making in rebalancing the UK economy.

Good news then that among recent initiatives to ensure the UK has the skills it needs for sustainable growth, the Government has announced £180 million for up to 50,000 additional apprenticeship places over the next four years and has agreed to expand the University Technical Colleges programme and set up 24 new colleges.

There is wide consensus from employers that skills in science, technology, engineering and maths are essential to future success. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEMNET) is joining forces with representatives from a range of businesses to encourage employers to get directly involved in supporting and developing tomorrow's workforce.

The recession's over, new industries are developing, opportunities are out there. Perhaps those who said in Aviva's survey that they might consider a move abroad should rethink - the grass may not be greener after all.

• On the subject of surveys, why not take part in the IP&E web survey? It will help us improve our web offering and will give you the chance to win an iPod Touch: www.surveymonkey.com/s/ipereadersurvey


Val Kealey
Editor