{"id":2003,"date":"2020-07-30T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-30T07:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/engineering\/?p=2003"},"modified":"2020-07-24T14:20:02","modified_gmt":"2020-07-24T13:20:02","slug":"uwe-leads-on-inspiring-future-digital-engineers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/engineering\/uwe-leads-on-inspiring-future-digital-engineers\/","title":{"rendered":"UWE leads on inspiring future digital engineers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The West of England is a hub for innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries, but as with the rest of the UK, there is a huge skills and employment gap for future engineers. That\u2019s why the new Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation<\/strong><\/a> (DETI) initiative – launched on 15th July – is investing in the future of digital engineering for our region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UWE Bristol is partnering with DETI to develop regional skills and inspire the region’s next generation of engineers. DETI Inspire will champion science for children in the West of England<\/strong> with a particular focus on breaking stereotypes and challenging perceptions about STEM careers in order to appeal to under-represented groups in engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The skills challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lack of exposure <\/strong>Many children, and particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds, will have very little exposure to science and may not know adults who work or have worked in STEM careers. This lack of so called “science capital” can have a significant impact on children\u2019s aspirations regarding STEM careers. This is particularly important for young girls, as attitudes towards STEM are largely formed before age 11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of diversity<\/strong> Another major concern for the engineering workforce is the lack of diversity – with only 12% of women engineers and 7% from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changing perceptions<\/strong> Research indicates that presenting engineering as a creative, collaborative profession, working towards socially conscious communal goals will have wider-spread appeal. Therefore DETI is particularly keen to contribute to the West of England\u2019s sustainability and net zero goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DETI Inspire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

UWE Bristol is establishing an Engineering<\/strong> Engagement Hub<\/strong> to coordinate engineering engagement for schools and families in the West of England, and will work together with DETI industry partners and school engagement providers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n