Don't blame the kids

London – A lack of interest in science and engineering amongst kids is a major factor behind the skills gaps faced by the process industries at present – or so the story goes.

However, the success of The Skills Show (see report) – in terms of the attendance figures and enthusiasm of the many young people who went along – puts a question mark over this line of thought.

The inaugural Skills Show at the NEC attracted over 70,000 people and generated a huge amount of enthusiasm among the many young people who attended.

In stark contrast to the buzz at the NEC, events relating to training and skills have, more often than not, failed to generate much interest amongst industry professionals down the years.

We often hear that kids lack interest in science and engineering, and industry in general. The Skills Show, however, suggest that young people have much more zeal than a lot of professionals working in our industries.

Rather than blaming the kids, attention should perhaps turn to the many people who have successful careers in industry but for whom skills ‘is not my problem’.