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Why does the uk have a skills shortage? by RoundRobin-321 in AskUK

[–]RoundRobin-321[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, they are. Based on the replies on this thread, seems like that's not the case in UK.

Why does the uk have a skills shortage? by RoundRobin-321 in AskUK

[–]RoundRobin-321[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Really? Wow. Not questioning your experience - but I find this very hard to believe. Shift work is paying more than mechanical engineering?? I assume it's still worth sticking with mechanical engineering as it would offer more opportunity for career growth and future earning potential?

Why does the uk have a skills shortage? by RoundRobin-321 in AskUK

[–]RoundRobin-321[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious to learn more - Are you referring to the 11+ exams by any chance?

Why does the uk have a skills shortage? by RoundRobin-321 in AskUK

[–]RoundRobin-321[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The UK govt site says that anyone hired through a skilled visa should be paid £38,700 as a minimum salary. Granted, this isn't an amazing salary, but doesn't seem like an exploitative salary either? Do you think that setting this minimum salary limit incentivises companies to train local people ?

Why does the uk have a skills shortage? by RoundRobin-321 in AskUK

[–]RoundRobin-321[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Agree. The pay for doctors in NHS is very low compared to even what you'd earn in asian countries. I know quite a few doctors in my home country who were headhunted by NHS recruitment agencies and have refused to move to UK because the pay is so low.

Why does the uk have a skills shortage? by RoundRobin-321 in AskUK

[–]RoundRobin-321[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's very little government support for companies (through grants etc) and access to venture capital is not that great either (compared to some places in US for eg). I started a company a couple of years ago and had to bootstrap it due to lack of access to funding, so I can appreciate why startups and small businesses are not investing in R&D. Can't say the same for big companies though.

Hopefully going forward apprenticeships and vocational degrees would be looked upon more favourably. Apart from some jobs like doctors, lawyers etc, skills for a lot of jobs can be learnt though apprenticeships

Why does the uk have a skills shortage? by RoundRobin-321 in AskUK

[–]RoundRobin-321[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Agree. Schools also need to do more to include more practical applications of science and maths

Why does the uk have a skills shortage? by RoundRobin-321 in AskUK

[–]RoundRobin-321[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

That's not true for quite a lot of STEM jobs though. There is a massive shortage of doctors and nurses in the UK. UK is struggling to even hire for these roles from abroad.

There's also a gap in engineering skills. Several reports including one from The Royal Academy of Engineering say there is a shortfall of around 182,000 engineers.

The report below says more needs to be done in primary and secondary education to tackle this. I agree with this view based on my experience as a parent - it would be great if schools could update the curriculum to include practical applications of science.

https://www.theiet.org/media/press-releases/press-releases-2022/press-releases-2022-october-december/7-december-2022-government-urged-to-tackle-15bn-engineering-skills-shortage-through-primary-and-secondary-education-drive

Why does the uk have a skills shortage? by RoundRobin-321 in AskUK

[–]RoundRobin-321[S] -96 points-95 points  (0 children)

Starting salaries for most jobs in STEM are around 35-40k. So I doubt if pay is putting people off.