ThrustWSH World Water Speed Record Project Focuses on Skills Gap at SM&E Week 2024 

03 June, 2024

The UK manufacturing and engineering sectors face an urgent skills shortage, with fewer young people choosing careers in these fields. This has led to an ageing workforce and a significant recruitment and retention problem. The survey seeks to uncover the root causes of this issue, whether it be the poor industrial image, competition from other industries, or parental bias against STEM careers. 

The survey is a collaborative effort involving key organisations from media, recruitment, and academia. Prof Neil W. Bressloff, Head of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Leeds University, remarked, “Universities play a major role in educating and inspiring future engineers. We hope to address the skills shortage and ensure the manufacturing sector remains robust.” 

Chris Fairhead, Chairman of Bloodhound Education, expressed similar sentiments, “ThrustWSH will generate excitement and provide a lasting interest in engineering, from primary school through to PhD level.” 

ThrustWSH is not just about breaking records; it is about creating a legacy that inspires and educates. With the survey's launch, the project aims to engage with schools and students, providing them with the tools and knowledge to follow the project's progress and be inspired by its technological challenges. 

Verity Noon, spokesperson for Nineteen Group, organisers of SM&E Week, said, “The ThrustWSH project represents the very best of British engineering and innovation. By giving the project, a platform at our event, we want to help to inspire young minds and demonstrate the exciting possibilities that careers in STEM can offer.” 

The survey's results will be made public, providing valuable insights into the recruitment challenges and helping to shape the future of STEM education in the UK.

The survey can be accessed here:  https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=0aJeJGVDJkeAWmMeuT2Tqu9u8Rpku_5MtL6gxkvNVnNUQ0NPNTdQTFE2MVRYSkY5NE9TSUEyVUg0Ry4u 

For further information, visit the ThrustWSH stand at SM&E Week 2024.

To register for a free pass for the event, please visit:  www.mandeweek.co.uk