Policy recommendations

We’re dedicated to driving policy change to strengthen the UK’s engineering and technology sector. Drawing on our research we make recommendations to government, industry and educational bodies. We advocate for policies that will improve the pathways into STEM careers and address skills shortages in the workforce.  

We actively push for policy changes that transform perceptions of engineering and tech to encourage more young people from a range of backgrounds (in particular, young women), to choose engineering and tech careers. Currently too few young people are really aware what opportunities exist for them in engineering and tech. By sharing our findings, we aim to help shape policy decisions that remove barriers, enhance STEM learning and career opportunities and improve access for underrepresented groups.

We do all this to support our vision that the UK has the diverse workforce needed for engineering and technology to thrive – and to drive economic prosperity, improve sustainability and achieve net zero. 

We have a set of policy priorities for the government across 2 areas:  

• Workforce planning
• STEM education and skills  

We want to see policy changes in training and skills, careers provision and outreach. We give policymakers evidence-based insights on what enables or deters young people from choosing engineering or technology careers.

Explore policy asks

We partner with organisations across the sector as well as in government and education, to broaden our impact, align efforts and share best practice.

We’re a member of the National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) – along with 41 other professional engineering organisations. The NEPC provides insights, advice, and practical policy recommendations on complex national and global challenges.

We sponsor The Apprenticeship All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). As the name implies, it’s a cross-party group of MPs and peers who make sure apprenticeships are fit for purpose.  

We respond to questions, inquiries and calls for evidence from APPGs, committees, government departments and other stakeholders. We are trusted to give sector insights, so the voice of the wider engineering and technology community is heard.