Education, investment and incentives

If you’re an engineer planning to vote at the General Election on May 5, consider the opinions of the MPs that you are voting for...

Labour

We believe scientists and engineers play a key role in the UK’s economic growth and prosperity as well as helping with some of the biggest challenges we face, such as securing a sustainable environment and supporting developing countries.

Their importance will increase as they drive forward key industries, from aerospace, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology to new sources of energy and bio-engineering. We need to start young if we are to ensure that this country continues to produce and support first-rate scientists and engineers.

But too many of our young people think engineering is part of the ‘old economy’. We are committed to convincing them that it is an essential part of the new economy.

That’s why the government has put in place a wide range of measures to encourage young people to consider a career in engineering. We’ve created new qualifications such as the Engineering GCSE and we’re promoting the ‘Electronics in Schools programme’ in the design and technology curriculum, in conjunction with the Institution of Electrical Engineers.