Source: Cogent Sector Skill Needs Assessment 2006, figure 5.1a. Data compiled from Labour Force Survey (q1 – q4, 2004).

The decline in apprenticeship training has not only affected the sector’s ability to train skilled trades, but it has also curtailed an important supply route for professional staff. Many professional engineers having entered the sector as apprentices.

Over the period 2004-2014, it is projected that 24,000 new process and machine operatives and 5,000 associate professional and technician job roles will need to be filled across the sector.  This highlights the need for apprenticeships.  These schemes train people with the required skills and also provide an alternative entry route for people that may attain higher positions through career development.

Source: Coverdale 2002, Cogent Sector Skill Needs Assessment 2006 and Working Futures 2006

For more information on apprenticeships in the Cogent industries go to the Cogent website.

The sector takes in graduates from University or after some work experience particularly from the following subject areas:

• Chemical Engineering/Chemical, Process & Energy Engineering
• Chemistry
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Geology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics
• Polymers and Textiles
• Other Materials Science

Source: Cogent Sector Skill Needs Assessment 2006

Employers in the nuclear industry currently prefer to recruit good generalist engineers and scientists and provide specialist training in-house.  Postgraduate education is therefore in competition with in-house training which employers prefer as it is targeted and cost effective. 

According to employers, graduates are poorly prepared for employment in the workplace.  There is concern over their readiness for work in terms of basic employability skills.

The number of engineering and physical science (such as mechanical, electrical, electronic, civil and chemical engineering, physics and chemistry) graduates are declining. 

Source: Coverdale 2002