EV cars ‘will boost demand for key process skills’
13 Aug 2018
The rise in demand for electrical vehicles will boost recruitment for engineers and related jobs in the UK, predicts research from leading automotive retailer Peter Vardy.
Despite the fact that engineering and related roles currently account for nearly one fifth of UK employment, electric vehicles will generate further opportunities for a wide variety of jobs for many engineers with process industry based skills.
Specifically, these will include electrical, electronics, chemical, mechanical, industrial and materials engineers, suggests the company.
Currently, it is estimated that 5.7 million employees work in registered engineering enterprises in the UK, making up 19% of total UK employment. However, it is expected that 265,000 skilled entrants will be required annually to meet demand for engineering enterprises through to 2024.
Claire Rogan, digital marketing manager at Peter Vardy, remarked: “The positive impact these vehicles are set to have on the planet, and the potential improvements that EVs can offer to both the consumer and such a wide variety of industries, really is quite monumental.”
Recent salary surveys have put average UK engineering income at nearly £48,000 with graduate starting salaries at more than £30,000.
Despite increasing numbers of universities offering engineering courses, Oxbridge and Imperial College London remain the leaders but relative newcomers Bristol and Southampton are also highly rated in the Complete University Guide.
