Workplace

There is still something of a blame culture around the whole subject of training. Employers accuse educators of not equipping graduates and school leavers with the right practical and life skills with the result that only a minority are ready for the world of work.

Educators, on the other hand, claim to be working in the dark, unsure of what, exactly, it is that employers want. They also assert that companies are unwilling to give young people a chance.

During an extremely lively debate at November’s M&E Event in London, we brought the warring parties together in an interactive forum called ‘Workforce of the Future’. Much was discussed and, unusually some might say, the event produced some practical outcomes.

Professor Deian Hopkin, vice-chancellor and chief executive of London South Bank University, told the delegates that from his experience of graduation ceremonies, engineering is the least diverse group in higher education. Apart from what this might say from an ethical point-of-view, it means our sector is missing out on a wealth of talent among women and ethnic minorities. “You must crack this issue,” said Hopkin.

He also hinted that engineering professions might have to fight harder for their share of the best people in the future because of variable tuition fees.

“By 2012, the average student debt will have reached £33,000,” he said. “In other words, the money they borrow for their education will be the second largest outlay in their lives apart from buying a house. They will, therefore, be looking long and hard at what they do and whether it is worth it.”

The challenge for our industry is to make our courses worth it. To this end, Hopkin urged employers to commit to people at “sub-graduate level” and work with the education profession “to train them up”.

Ant Wilson, a director of consulting engineers FaberMaunsell, said the toughest challenge was promoting the industry to young people. It’s not that it projects a poor image: according to him, it has no image. He advocated two approaches – the first being to improve the system of mentoring. Second was getting ambassadors into schools with the aim of enthusing children about the role of building services engineers in addressing major issues such as global warming.

But, having got their attention, the question is, do we make the most of it? The answer seems to be “no”.

As Professor Hopkin pointed out: All universities and colleges are run as businesses these days and if there is no demand for certain courses, they will close them and look elsewhere for customers. “It is time for us all to play our part in putting the spotlight back on building services engineering,” he said.

Robert Higgs is director of the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA) and chaired November’s ‘Workforce of the Future’ forum. For more information, visit www.hvca.org.uk