The implications that would arise from the UK leaving the European Union are vast and wide ranging, with an impact expected to be seen across a whole host of areas we’ve all heard of the changes that a break away will have on topics such as the economy and immigration, however a decision to leave could lead to the UK suffering from an even greater skills shortage. It has already been reported that the UK will need over a million new engineers and technicians by 2020 in order to tackle the skills crisis .
Put simply, the UK doesn’t currently have the required levels of trained workers within the engineering industry to leave the EU. Across many industries we’re in a similar position as we find ourselves in with engineering. Within the sector, there is currently a war for talent, as we’re not in a position where we have the trained home-grown workforce that would allow us to continue operating at a level the industry requires.
The much publicized current skills shortage means we’re increasingly looking to other nations to source workers who posses the required skillset to fill roles. Presently, a high proportion of students enrolled in engineering courses are overseas students, meaning that once they’re qualified they may decide, or be forced, to return home a victory for the ‘Yes’ campaign would certainly have an impact on the number of skilled workers in the UK.
James Turnpenny is team manager for engineering at JAM Recruitment, a recruitment consultancy based in Manchester, UK
