Memorandum submitted by the Institute
of Electrical Engineers (IEE)
The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE)
is the largest engineering institution in Europe with around 125,000
members who represent key sectors including electronics, communications,
computing, energy, manufacturing, and transport. Our members are
employed in an equally wide range of organisations from multi-national
companies through small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), to
sole traders. It goes without saying that young people with the
right skills, knowledge and qualifications are the seedcorn of
the engineering and technology professions of tomorrow. We therefore
welcome the opportunity to submit evidence to the House of Commons
Education and Skills Select Committee inquiry into the White Paper.
The White Paper raises a number of issues, but
we firmly believe that the opportunity to improve the delivery
of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education
should not be lost, nor should opportunities be forfeited to any
future students. In particular a public dialogue to promote and
enhance awareness of the vital importance of science and engineering,
emphasising their role and value in wealth creation, and benefits
such as quality of life, health, environment and sustainability
is essential.
The IEE has a number of expert panels, including
one focusing on Education and Skills. This panel brings together
experts from a range of stakeholders to look at issues in the
sector, specifically around STEM. It includes representatives
from schools, teacher associations, qualification bodies, training
and support organisation and a number of other areas. Through
our Panel we have identified a number of areas which we believe
deserve further scrutiny. If you require additional information
on any aspect of this response, then please do not hesitate to
contact me. In particular, if the Select Committee would find
it useful to meet with members of our Sector Panel then we will
be pleased to make suitable arrangements.
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