James Dyson publishes plan to build UK skills base for engineering jobs
Sir James Dyson has published a radical set of proposals that aim to help pull Britain out of recession by rebuilding the country's manufacturing and technology industries.
The inventor, who has made millions from his innovative designs and the vacuum technology that bears his name, laid out his vision in the report Ingenious Britain. Commissioned by the Conservative Party, it calls for fresh education, as well as funding for science and technology, so that the UK has a sizable skills base to fill the technical and civil engineering jobs needed for his vision to be successful.
The Daily Telegraph reports that in the report, Sir James is critical of the government's inability to commit to civil engineering projects. He believes that revitalising manufacturing and technology, as well as creating and filling civil engineering jobs, "must start with the government."
"We need to make decisions on big projects like high-speed rail or nuclear power and get on with it. Big projects inspire engineers and universities and children. Instead, we get bogged down with endless reports and bickering."
Although the report is funded by the Conservative Party, Sir James appears to be far from partisan. He argues for R&D tax credits - targeted for scrapping by Shadow Chancellor George Osborne - to be redirected to technology start-ups. His words have had weight with the party, who have pledged to retain tax credits for this sector today.
Sir James also suggests that more funding for science education, such as better pay for science, technology and maths teachers, would attract more high-calibre staff and help stimulate engineering recruitment. He calls for better support for graduates, proposing that engineering undergraduates could be aided through industry-sponsored scholarships of £2000 each.
"Change must start with the government" says Sir James.
Author: William Hobson
Keywords: civil engineering jobs, Engineering Recruitment