Employers want to see evidence of curiosity, resilience, communication, problemsolving and commercial understanding, and importantly the capacity to keep learning.
Academic study also encourages independent research, critical thinking and the ability to work with uncertainty. These are valuable attributes in a manufacturing landscape where technologies are constantly evolving, and yesterday’ s engineering assumptions may not hold tomorrow.
Some graduates, however, can enter industry with strong technical knowledge but limited understanding of the realities of production. This is why placements, internships, employer-led modules and project-based learning are so important, because the most employable graduates are often those who can combine academic understanding with practical exposure.
What are employers really looking for?
Modern engineering is no longer defined by a single technical discipline. Across all areas of advanced manufacturing, employers increasingly need people who understand a range of disciplines including software, automation, AI, data, electrification and quality management. In many roles, the ability to solve problems across disciplines is now as valuable as deep technical knowledge in one area.
Employers want to see evidence of curiosity, resilience, communication, problem-solving and commercial understanding, and importantly the capacity to keep learning. Whether someone arrives through a degree or an apprenticeship, the ideal candidate will use their experience as a springboard further develop their skills.
It’ s therefore important to avoid talking about apprenticeships and degrees as competing options. Doing so risks creating an unnecessary push-pull between academic and vocational routes, when the sector actually needs both.
Looking to the future In a fast-changing manufacturing landscape, the best engineers will not be those who simply chose the“ right” route after leaving school. They will be those who continue to learn throughout their careers.
At G & P Quality Management Ltd, our Talent Division supports OEMs and suppliers with engineering, manufacturing and quality assurance by providing temporary workers, contractors and permanent placements across a range of manufacturing sectors. We’ ve seen young engineers entering the industry through both pathways excel, and it almost always boils down to enthusiasm and work ethic over whether they chose the academic or technical route into the industry.
UK Engineering must encourage a skills system that gives more people more ways into engineering, while ensuring every route is rigorous and aligned with industry needs. If we can achieve that, apprenticeships and academia will stop being seen as at loggerheads and instead become complementary routes towards a stronger, more competitive UK engineering landscape.
For more info about G & P and its unique engineering and talent services, please visit www. gpqm. com.
Issue 82 PECM 125