Industry and workforce

Engineering and technology 

Our industry and workforce research and analysis help us to understand the current composition of engineering and technology, looking at different sectors, roles and demographics. We look closely at diversity in the industry, with a particular focus on women and other underrepresented groups. We also look forward to identify the likely future demand for skills and to understand how well education is growing the talent pool. 

Where we are now

Engineering and technology is a critical industry and employs over 6 million people. However, there are significant skills shortages and workforce challenges, including a lack of diversity. 1 in 5 jobs in the UK are in engineering and tech, yet the industry accounts for 25% of all job adverts. It’s a growth sector and is predicted to grow faster than any other between now and 2030. Green skills are vital with up to 725,000 new jobs needed to support the transition to net zero.

Future workforce

Young people in education today are the engineering and tech professionals of the future. We need to attract more young people from all backgrounds to create the diverse workforce engineering and technology needs to thrive. STEM subjects are popular in school, but engineering barely features on the curriculum and fewer students are taking design & technology. School students are doing less practical work and interest in schools science is declining.

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Diversity in the workforce

Diversity in the workplace benefits everyone but the current engineering and technology workforce isn’t representative. Women are the most underrepresented group, making up just 15.7% of the workforce. But, disabled people, those from UK minority ethnic groups and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds are also underrepresented.

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