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News story NEW GOVERNMENT ENVOY FOR THE YEAR OF ENGINEERING ANNOUNCED Stephen Metcalfe MP will drive cross-government support for the campaign, which aims to tackle the engineering skills
gap. This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling has welcomed the appointment of Stephen Metcalfe MP as the new
Government Envoy for the Year of Engineering – the campaign that will see government join forces with industry to give thousands of young people direct and inspiring experiences of
engineering throughout 2018. Formerly Chairman of the Science and Technology Select Committee, Mr Metcalfe will act as an advisor for the campaign, engaging with industry and government on
tackling the engineering skills gap and widening the pool of young people who enter the profession. The industry is facing a shortfall of 20,000 engineering graduates a year and a lack of
diversity – the workforce is 91% male and 94% white. Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: > Engineering is one of the most productive sectors in our economy, > but a
lack of graduates entering the profession is damaging growth. > With major investment being made in infrastructure and new > technologies that aim to improve the way we travel, work
and live, > it’s crucial to the nation’s success that more people join the > profession. > > That’s why I’m delighted that Stephen Metcalfe has accepted the > role of
Government Envoy for the Year of Engineering. This year-long > campaign is our opportunity to encourage young people from all > backgrounds to see the creativity, opportunity and value
of > engineering. I know our new envoy will bring knowledge, experience > and commitment to the role, engaging with government colleagues and > industry to ensure that the campaign
reaches young people, their > parents and their teachers in all parts of the UK. Stephen Metcalfe MP said: > When I was asked to take on this important role I had no hesitation >
in accepting. > > Growing the interest in, and awareness of engineering and careers > within the sector is vital to inspiring the next generation of > engineers and ensuring our
future economic success. > > Engineering has the ability to tackle some of the great challenges > the country and the world faces while also providing well paid and > rewarding
careers. > > I hope our combined efforts in 2018 will help us engineer a better, > brighter future for all. The Year of Engineering launches in January 2018. Throughout the year
the government will work with hundreds of industry partners to bring young people, their parents and their teachers face to face with engineering activities, events and role models. To find
out more, visit the Year of Engineering partner website or follow the Year of Engineering campaign on Twitter. Year of Engineering enquiries Media enquiries 0300 78777 878 Switchboard 0300
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