ECITB targets future engineering and construction skills through school outreach
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has opened applications for a fully funded training programme aimed at increasing STEM outreach in schools while supporting workforce diversity across the engineering construction industry (ECI).
The initiative is open to in-scope employers seeking to strengthen engagement with local schools and address long-term skills shortages. It will fund ten places for women and non-binary employees to take part in careers ambassador training, enabling them to promote STEM careers to children.
Addressing long-term engineering construction skills shortages
The programme comes as the engineering construction sector faces growing workforce pressures linked to major infrastructure and energy projects.
According to the ECITB, demand for skilled workers is set to increase significantly over the coming years, with recruitment and retention challenges already affecting employers across the sector.
Andrew Hockey, ECITB Chief Executive, said:
“The 2024 ECITB Workforce Census revealed that 40,000 additional workers could be needed across the engineering construction industry (ECI) for major projects by 2030. 71% of employers reported challenges in hiring workers, up from 53% in 2021.
“And it also highlighted that the proportion of women in the ECI has grown but still only stands at just 16.9%.”
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STEM outreach focused on early engagement
The ECITB is funding places on the STEMAZING Inspiration Academy, a training programme designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence to engage children through structured STEM sessions.
Participants will receive training in public engagement, communication and STEM delivery, before delivering a four-week programme of live online or in-person STEM sessions to children aged seven to nine.
The sessions are designed to introduce basic engineering and scientific concepts through practical activities, with participating schools receiving a STEMKit of learning resources.
Improving diversity and awareness of engineering careers
The ECITB said the initiative is intended to increase awareness of engineering construction careers at an early age, particularly among groups currently under-represented in the sector.
Andrew Hockey said:
“To meet the growing demand for workers, it is imperative that we increase the diversity of people working in the industry and promote careers into the industry to under-represented groups at an early age.
“This programme inspires children, raises awareness of STEM careers and, importantly, provides young girls with female role models in the industry.”
Employer benefits and longer-term engagement
At the conclusion of the programme, participating employers will retain trained STEM ambassadors within their organisations, enabling continued engagement with schools beyond the initial outreach period.
The ECITB said initiatives that strengthen links between industry and education will be increasingly important as engineering construction projects accelerate and competition for skilled workers intensifies across the UK.
