The IET’s Recruiter Requirements Report found that 66% of jobs advertised in the engineering sector required a degree as a pre-requisite for the position.

Everyone knows how valuable degrees are for future engineers, but the IET is calling for the engineering industry to review this requirement.

It wants employers and engineering recruitment companies to consider the value of work-based experience. This might be gained through apprenticeships, for instance.

It is expected that in a few years the number of people with degrees applying for positions could well be fewer after the rise in tuition fees which may discourage some to go to university.

Recent statistics from UCAS show a 15% decline in university applications for 2012 entry, somewhat supporting the above.

Stephanie Fernandes, policy advisor at the IET, commented, “There is still a high demand for skilled engineers and technicians, but companies could do better when it comes to seeking talent. Work-based learning is held in great esteem by the industry and companies need to do more to demonstrate the great prospects that come with a career in engineering and to make it known that the graduate route is not only way to achieve this. In our annual Skills & Demand in Industry Survey, 43% of organisations anticipated that they would employ more apprentices in four to five years time. This is positive news and more engineering companies should look to do the same.”

An Engineering Recruitment Company said, “The IET has been involved in starting a new pathway to becoming a professional engineer. This is called Engineering Gateways. With this route available, people can qualify without a large financial risk.”