Many thousands of engineers needed for integrated green strategy

London - The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) has highlighted the pressing need to increase the supply of trained engineers in the renewable energy sector. The organisation has also called for increased opportunities for skilled individuals who find themselves without work as a result of the downturn, to re-skill or retrain in renewables. 

According to the ETB, statistics from its recent Engineering UK 2008 publication indicate that the UK must train an additional 170,000 workers in solar water and heating alone, 75,000 in micro wind energy and 76,000 in rainwater harvesting, plus hundreds of thousands more in other ‘renewable’ sectors such as fuel technology and hydro generation.

Engineering UK 2008 also reported that many people say a genuinely green agenda would inspire them to take up a career in engineering. [2]

“It is important to remember that there is an ongoing and vital role for engineers in our economy and our society at large, particularly when it comes to overcoming increasing environmental challenges," said Paul Jackson, chief executive of the ETB.

"It is encouraging to see continued interest in the green agenda and the recognition that engineers will lead the way in dealing with these issues," added Jackson. "We know that people are motivated by a desire to make a difference and by the green agenda. We need to make sure that there are sufficient training opportunities available to them.”