UK Motorsport Industry Fights Negative Image of Engineering

SILVERSTONE, England, April 8 -- Despite its position at the cutting edge of high performance engineering, motorsport is struggling to recruit the skilled engineering technicians it needs. New research from Motorsport 100 has also found that motorsport reflects issues across the GBP50bn high-tech engineering industry, where the negative image of engineering in the UK is creating a growing skills gap.

The latest Motorsport 100 survey (commissioned by Motorsport Development UK) has found that motorsport companies are increasingly worried about the increasing shortage of engineering talent in the UK, with 45% of companies believing engineering and technical skills to be the key area in need of improvement. 19% of businesses consider the negative image of engineering to be a key part of the growing recruitment problem.

However, the motorsport industry is making major moves to combat the decline. David Richards, Chairman of Prodrive and Aston Martin, recently stated that he wants motorsport to "make engineering cool" and attract more people towards a career in engineering. The latest survey highlights the initiatives being set up by the industry. The Learning Grid inspires young people through motorsport engineering and the Motorsport Academy is working with the industry to address skills needs.

Lord Drayson, former Defence Procurement minister and racing driver, echoes these sentiments: "There is a shortage of engineers in this country. As an industry, we need to motivate kids through iconic projects. We need to deliver a message that engineering is fun and challenging, but at the same time, that it can do good and help save the environment. The next generation will be more focused on combating climate change. The motorsport industry has the potential to be a leader in this field as a unique testing ground for green technologies."

Motorsport moves rapidly and it is important that training and education meet its constantly changing needs. The Motorsport Academy creates that link. Its Employer Recognition Scheme works with educators to develop and identify courses that meet the industry's needs and increase potential engineers' exposure to the motorsport industry.

Lord Drayson adds: "The industry would benefit from promoting its great range of skills and engineering capabilities to the public. More transparency would greatly enhance motorsport's image and help inspire young minds towards a career in engineering."