3 Big Questions: David Edwards

Chief executive, Engineering Construction Industry Training Board

What does the new government need to consider urgently? 

“ For the UK economy to flourish it is essential to invest in vital upgrades to infrastructure. The engineering construction industry is integral to the successful delivery of the low-carbon agenda and for ensuring a secure energy supply.

How many skilled people will be needed to carry out these upgrades?

“ We estimate that 45,000 engineers and apprentices need to be recruited over the next 10 years. It took 8,000 skilled people to build the last nuclear power station at Sizewell and the UK needs the equivalent of 20 Sizewells to keep the country’s lights on. Furthermore, an ageing workforce means that 50% of the skilled engineering construction population will be retiring before half of the UK’s new power stations are built. The Catch 22 is that training cannot be done before there is investment and projects under way.

Where will most of these new engineers be employed?

“ There is no shortage of infrastructure to be built or upgraded. Over the next 20 years virtually all the UK’s main coal and nuclear power stations need to be replaced. Upgrades are needed in rail and renewable power capacity.