EEF launches guide for manufacturing and schools engagement

Launched with the Careers Enterprise Company (CEC), the Making School Engagement Manufacturers’ Business guide draws on the experience of some of the UK’s largest and most successful companies’ educational outreach work.

The firms share examples of how they operate placements and mentoring schemes and illustrate how STEM subjects relate to practical engineering in industry.

There is a bigger role that manufacturers can play in improving careers provision and this guide provides tips on how to do this

Bhavina Bharkhada, education and skills policy adviser, EEF

Speaking at the launch EEF education and skills policy adviser, Bhavina Bharkhada said: “Effective and consistent engagement with schools is vital if we are boost the number of young people entering the manufacturing industry.

“This guide shows how manufacturing employers can be empowered to effectively engage with schools through mentoring programmes and enterprise competitions in addition to their existing programmes. Importantly, it signposts where employers can go for additional support from the CEC.”

While the lack of knowledge about manufacturing within schools has been highlighted previously, the EEF says research has demonstrated a significant lack of awareness among parents too.

Many suppose manufacturing is one of the country’s lower paid professions and do not realise that it is one of the highest paid for new employees, said the organisation.

Government objectives for boosting careers education in schools are enshrined in the so-called Gatsby Benchmarks. These consist of eight best practice requirements: stable careers programme; learning from market information; addressing individual needs; linking curriculum to careers; encounters with industry; work experience; encounters with further and higher education; and personal guidance.

In 2017 the CEC reported that, on average, UK schools fulfilled just 1.87 of the eight Gatsby Benchmarks. The guide recommends a further 4 million ‘employer encounters’ and 1 million more workplace experiences are needed.

Manufacturers are active in the provision of schools careers advice: 70% offer work experience and 52% provide workplace visits.

Added Bharkhada: "Manufacturers across the UK are already engaging with schools to help them meet their Gatsby Benchmarks, including offer quality work experience opportunities, placements, school visits and site tours.

“However, there is a bigger role that manufacturers can play in improving careers provision and this guide provides top tips on how to do this successfully.”