Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage, hosted the IET at the Houses of Parliament and launched the 2015 Engineering and Technology Skills and Demand in Industry survey. This is the 10th year the IET has published the report.

Stephen McPartland MP said, "There is always a huge demand for the engineers of tomorrow and it is important that we all work together with employers, universities, schools and colleges to help our local young people understand the engineering skills they will need to succeed in these jobs.

"We are very lucky to be home to thousands of jobs in science, technology and engineering in Stevenage. I will continue to encourage employers in Stevenage to work with schools to give young people work experience opportunities, as well as inspirational information about the many exciting careers in engineering and technology."

IET Chief Executive, Nigel Fine, commented on the findings from the IET's survey, “Demand for engineers in the UK remains high, with supply unable to keep pace – and employers continuing to highlight skills shortages as a major concern.

“Stronger and deeper collaboration between employers and academic institutions is needed to agree practical steps to ensure that young people are suitably prepared both academically and practically before they start work. Supporting and encouraging teachers and academics to spend time in industry – and employers to visit schools, colleges and universities – would also be hugely beneficial."

The Institution of Engineering and Techology is headquartered in Stevenage. The IET Skills and Demand in Industry Report can be downloaded at http://www.theiet.org/factfiles/education/skills2015-page.cfm

Click here if you would like to help Stephen make a difference