Engineering more geographically diverse than other professions, says report

According to a report published earlier this week, by Alan Milburn MP’s Cabinet Office Panel on Fair Access to the Professions, by comparison with other professions, engineering is a UK wide profession with extensive opportunities available to those living outside London.

The report sought to analyse a number of professions in the UK, including geography. The Panel found that engineering much more inclusive geographical spread, when compared with other professions such as law and IT. It identified 80% of engineering internships and work experience placements being available outside London.

The figures add weight to the perception of engineering as being significantly more diverse than other major professions, and reflect its major role as a contributor to the economy, infrastructure and society across the nation.

Andrew Ramsay, chief executive of the Engineering Council UK (ECUK), which holds the national register of Chartered Engineers, Incorporated Engineers, Engineering Technicians and Information and Communication Technology Technicians, welcomed the report. ECUK also confirms that of the 250,000 professional engineers domiciled in the UK and registered with it, more than 97 per cent are based outside Central London.

Mr Ramsay said: "With a long tradition of access from non-traditional backgrounds and from all regions of the UK, engineering is a profession in which it is possible to progress through a wide variety of Higher, Further and vocational education routes. Qualification to Engineering Technician level and beyond can be achieved via apprenticeships, vocational courses, Higher Nationals, Foundation Degrees and a variety of other flexible routes, providing opportunities for any individual to achieve a senior position of responsibility. This goes to show that engineering is a great career, offering a multitude of opportunities."

(Pictured: Alan Milburn MP)