Comment: Become an FE teacher and help solve the skills shortage

Research from Stonehaven shows that a fifth of the engineering workforce is set to retire in the next five years, and current recruitment drives are struggling to fill the gap. As an industry, if we’re unable to excite and engage the next generation of engineers, it’s anticipated that we’ll face a shortfall of one million engineers by 2030.

The good news is that as engineering professionals, we hold a unique responsibility to help shape the future pipeline of talent for our industry. Our real-world industry experience and expertise are invaluable assets that can inspire and guide the next generation of engineers. By sharing our knowledge and skills, we can ensure a strong workforce for tomorrow and contribute to the continued growth and innovation within our field.

Share your skills by teaching in Further Education

Further Education (FE) is any education for people aged 16 and over who aren’t studying for a degree. In settings such as colleges, FE offers diverse teaching opportunities across a range of technical, vocational and academic subjects to help prepare learners for work in their chosen field. It offers a huge range of opportunities, from teaching in workshops to classroom-based learning. You could be teaching one of many engineering and manufacturing subjects such as welding, vehicle maintenance, electrical or structural engineering. You also don’t always need prior teaching qualifications to start teaching in FE. You can undertake training on the job, often funded by your employer, and start earning straight away!

There are a number of ways engineering professionals can do this, I’ve recently been supporting the Department of Education’s Teach in Further Education (FE) campaign, which aims to inspire industry professionals to share their skills and experience with learners to ensure they are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in their careers. Teaching in FE is an opportunity for engineers to pass on their legacy and trade, making a positive impact on students' lives, their own lives, and wider society.

Our real-world industry skills are more valuable than we realise, and by sharing them, we can help shape the future of our industry's workforce.

Support the next generation of engineers

Spending time in educational settings has become a crucial part of my role as an engineer and a role model for the sector. It provides an opportunity to connect with learners, share my experiences, and inspire people to pursue careers in engineering. For example, having worked on the design of buildings in the UK, Middle East and the Far East, I can provide valuable insight into how engineering principles are applied across different regions, helping learners see the broader application of these concepts. Many students want to be able to translate theoretical concepts into real-world impact, especially as they aspire to make a positive difference in society. Therefore, practical experience and real-life projects are essential to their understanding of engineering concepts.

As an engineer, I have also seen first hand the positive impact that practical experience and real-life projects have on students. In FE, lessons don’t just take place in the classroom, teaching in FE can take place in workshops, on-site or anywhere that allows learners to get hands-on experience in all aspects of engineering; mechanical, civil, chemical, software or electrical. This hands-on approach to learning not only enhances their understanding of engineering but also prepares them for the challenges they will face in their careers.

I recently met an engineer who is excelling in the engineering industry. She reminded me that I visited her school many years ago and that my visit encouraged her to pursue a career in the engineering sector. It was a full circle moment, seeing someone who had successfully navigated the path they once aspired to. Sharing my real-life experiences, knowledge and insights has been key in motivating others to join the industry. You can do the same by teaching in FE.

Teaching in FE is not just about delivering lessons; it involves creating an engaging and interactive learning environment where learners can gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge. You can use your expertise to shape the lessons you want to teach. With opportunities to teach full-time, part-time or on an adhoc basis, being an FE teacher offers a unique opportunity for you to share your knowledge where it matters most whilst staying connected to the engineering industry.

Take the next step

Inspiring the next generation of engineers by teaching in FE is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. The opportunity to pass on your knowledge can have a positive impact on students' lives and enables engineers to take on a new challenge without changing their careers. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit the Teach in FE website.

Yewande Akinola MBE HonFREng, engineer and innovator, social entrepreneur and consultant