A surge in applications for
engineering degrees and a historic
milestone for the Institution of
Mechanical Engineers are
considered signs of a much-needed
resurgence in the profession.

Stephen Tetlow, chief executive of
the 164-year old Institution, says:
“The country of Brunel, Stephenson
and Whittle is witnessing a muchneeded
resurgence in engineering. It
is more popular among British
students than ever and the growth of
engineering-based industries, such as
UK car manufacturing, is proving to
be one of the bright spots in an
otherwise gloomy economic
backdrop.”
However, he urges against
complacency, saying that the UK still
needs 19,000 extra engineering
graduates every year over the next
five years to meet future demand.

Membership of the Institution has
now reached 100,000, up from
75,000 in 2007.