UK engineering skills base at risk as engineering student numbers drop by a quarter in further education

摘要

Student numbers on engineering, manufacturing and technology courses within Further Education colleges in the UK show a 26 percent decrease over the last three academic years, according to new research recently published by the Engineering and Technology Board. Although success rates appear to be increasing, up 3 percent to 74 percent in 2005, the decline in student numbers is a worrying trend, and reflects the serious issues affecting engineering, manufacturing and technology within Further Education.