The enormous potential of our electronic systems industry is clear for all to see. But without a constant stream of skilled workers not only will it fail to reach this potential, but the industry’s current worth and workforce will be in serious jeopardy.

The indications are that demand is growing. In the NMI 2015 Employment Survey, respondents revealed an increasing demand for engineering talent at all levels. Compared to the 57% of participants who had recruited graduates in the last 12 months, 71% of participants are looking to recruit graduates in the next 12 months.

In addition to securing under-graduate work-placements for promising students, UKESF facilitates employer engagement with schools. The ‘Our Electronics Environment’ project piloted in 2013 is now an annual event in both Bristol and eastern England, and will be launching in Scotland in 2015.

UKESF’s employer-sponsored summer school at the University of Southampton attracted 80 A-level and Scottish Higher students from 77 schools across the UK – twice as many as the inaugural course in 2011.

Charting the progress of UKESF’s Scholarship Scheme, employers from the electronics industry have so far awarded a total of 174 UKESF scholarships, backed by over £1 million investment. The current academic year sees 25 companies involved, offering a total of 65 scholarships.

Only by acting together now and supporting sector-specific initiatives like UKESF can we ensure that we have the necessary pool of exceptional talent to drive our industry in the future.

Yes, the future for electronic systems looks bright, but only if we have enough bright sparks!

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