David Cameron backs scheme to boost number of UK engineers

The scheme has been created by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Gatsby Foundation. The announcement will take place at 10 Downing Street today alongside a full size replica of the Bloodhound supersonic car. The Prime Minister will also meet apprentices from a number of leading manufacturing and construction companies, including Caterpillar, Rolls-Royce and MBDA. Stephen Tetlow, chief executive of the IMechE, said: "The institution and its partners are concerned that the number of people pursuing engineering careers is just not enough to meet the current and future demands of the engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors. "To help UK companies succeed in this ever growing competitive global marketplace, we need people with the highest professional skills and abilities. This initiative will ensure that the UK has a growing stream of Engineering Technicians being developed to a level that is recognised and respected around the world."