IDENTIFIED as a priority sector for the economy, the engineering sector is undergoing a period of exciting development.
In today’s Engineering Focus Nijobfinder high-lights some of the job opportunities available on offer across all levels of the sector.
There are currently an estimated 37,000 people in Northern Ireland employed in advanced manufacturing across 2,800 establishments with it believed that approximately 500 more people per year will need to be recruited into the sector in NI, for the next five years, to meet growing demand and account for retirements.
In 2012 the Department of Employment and Learning identified advanced manufacturing and advanced engineering as a priority sector in re-balancing the economy. As a result, earlier this year, the Employment Minister, Stephen Farry launched an innovative Action Plan focussed on tackling the skills needs of the local advanced manufacturing and engineering services sector, enhancing the quality of the workforce and maximising employment opportunities.
The Action Plan has been developed by a working group, chaired by minister Farry, consisting of government officials, local employers from across the industry and education providers.
Speaking on the need for the plan minister Farry said: “If we are to enable Northern Ireland to compete globally, it is fundamental that we in-crease our export base and in this context, advanced manufacturing and engineering services will be pivotal. To achieve these aspirations, it will be essential that the workforce has the skills and technical knowledge to produce innovative products and to adapt to the challenges facing the sector.
“The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Services sector is of critical importance to the growth of the Northern Ireland economy and that is why I established a working group to identify and address the skills challenges faced by this industry.”
Thirty-nine actions are contained in the Action Plan which will require stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure that the desired results are achieved. Specific actions within the Plan include:
• Government will work with businesses in the sector to quantify the actual demand for engineering skills in the job roles quoted in the report as being hard to fill;
• Where there is demand from businesses, Government will introduce training interventions to provide suitably trained staff to fill these job roles. This will include aggregating demand amongst SMEs and other companies;
• Industry, Further Education and Higher Education sectors should agree the possibility of establishing a curriculum group which would meet regularly to ensure that courses and qualifications remain relevant to business needs;
• Co-ordinate skills pathways to have clear progression routes and promote same, for example -HNC/ HND/ Foundation Degrees/ BSc;
• The Department for Employment and Learning to continue to develop the concept of industry-led STEM scholarships in the fields of Computing and Engineering to attract and retain top graduate talent; and
• Improve perceptions of the sector amongst school children, teachers and parents. Figures from Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing, show that 20% of manufacturing employers had vacancies with skills gaps most likely to be found in skilled trades/craft occupations. Encouraging NI to invest in their engineering skill set, Semta’s head of communications and public affairs, Joanne Iceton said: “We need more businesses in Northern Ireland to follow the lead of others and invest in skills. We also need to ensure parents and teachers can see apprentice-ships are a real alternative to university as well as making sure those who graduate in STEM subjects end up in science, engineering and advanced manufacturing careers. “We have seen a small increase in the number of businesses taking on apprentices and graduates for the first time but we would urge those who haven’t to get in touch because there is sup-port to help ensure we keep the talent pipeline flowing, which is essential for the future of industry and the economy in Northern Ireland. ”