The Engineering Council takes an active interest in developments in national education and skills policies that may affect the professional development of engineers and technicians. As part of the Engineering Council’s remit, we regularly respond to government consultations on educational policies that affect the engineering profession. We are also an active member of Education for Engineering, through which the engineering profession offers a coordinated view to the government on education matters.

For example, a recently-closed consultation that may be of interest on Post-18 Education and Funding. The review covered four points:

1. Choice and competition across a joined-up post-18 education and training sector
2. A system that is accessible to all
3. Delivering the skills the UK needs
4. Value for money for graduates and taxpayers

The Engineering Council’s draft response includes concerns with the current system and a desire to see the future of engineering fully resourced and delivering a diverse graduate work force. The panel will publish their report at an interim stage, before the Government concludes the overall review in early 2019.

A further consultation of interest is around the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) and closes shortly on 21 May 2018. The Department for Education (DfE) is inviting responses to inform the development of the TEF at subject level. The DfE is keen to hear from higher education providers, students, employers and others with an interest in learning, teaching and student information. The Engineering Council’s Policy and Standards Advisor Deborah Seddon is contributing to the Engineering and Technology panel of the TEF subject pilot.

To respond see further information on the DfE website.