UK, 2010-May-18
The north east faces the same issues as the rest of the UK with respect to the engineering skills shortage. As the current generation of engineers retires it becomes increasingly difficult to attract new students, to what is often perceived as the ‘old economy’. Siemens and Tyne Metropolitan are committed to changing this perception and reversing this trend by a concerted programme of engagement; talks, masters classes and recruitment events to promote engineering as an attractive career option.
Siemens is also keen to develop engineering skills for new growth sectors too, such as the renewable energy sector, especially wind power. Siemens’ site in Newcastle is home to a world class training facility for gas, steam and wind power service engineers. Investment in new skills training is a key to the future. Mike Jones, human resources director for Siemens Energy sector said: “the UK is facing one of the biggest economic challenges ever and needs to revive its manufacturing and rebuild its core engineering skills base as well as respond tothe green engineering skills agenda. It is the responsibility of engineering employers, such as Siemens to work with the education sector and government to make this happen. We are delighted to work with Tyne Metropolitan college in this important task”
Jon Vincent, principal and chief executive of Tyne Metropolitan College, commented: "We are absolutely delighted to continue our strong ties with Siemens. The partnership we have formed is a tremendous benefit to the Siemens staff and the students of Tyne Metropolitan College who get a real insight into the work of an internationally renowned company. We look forward to building on our partnership in the future."
Siemens has very strong links with local schools and colleges, and the universities of Newcastle, Durham and Northumbria. Commenting on this, Jones said: "strengthening our links with a local further education college was the next logical step. Our educational engagement now covers all ages and type of educational establishment." Jones believes Siemens staff will wholeheartedly embrace this latest venture.
Siemens is a major engineering employer in the UK, with almost 17,000 staff in the UK of which 5,000 are engaged in manufacturing. In the north east Siemens employs around 2,000 people across the region.
Notes to editors:
About Siemens in the UK
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 167 years ago and now employs 16,915 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £4.2 billion. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
For more information, contact:
Rachel Odams
PR ManagerSiemens plc
Tel. +44 (0)1276 690782
Mob: +44 (0)7808 824209
rachel.odams@siemens.com
Reference Number: SiemensReferenceNumber
