8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk NEWS EngineeringUK has called on the new government to collaborate with industry to overcome barriers preventing young people from entering the workforce. The current skills shortage in engineering and technology is already hindering growth, and a strategic approach to addressing this issue is essential for supporting ongoing projects and enabling large-scale developments like Great British Energy. EngineeringUK, along with the National Engineering Policy Centre, is advocating for a National Engineering and Technology Workforce Strategy. The organisation is keen to see the new government fulfil its manifesto commitments to develop workforce and training plans and a post-16 education strategy, ensuring that more young people gain access to apprenticeships and other training opportunities. The Labour manifesto also pledged to improve careers education, including recruiting an additional 1000 careers advisers, broadening the curriculum, and addressing STEM teacher recruitment and retention. With the number of STEM teacher vacancies rising from around 1,300 to over 1,600 in the past year, EngineeringUK is urging the government to invest in teacher professional development. Research indicates that such investment can significantly extend teaching careers. Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, commented: “As the new government has rightly recognised, we need to nurture a greater pool of talent in engineering and technology, including more apprenticeship opportunities for young people, to meet current demand and help our economy thrive while achieving our net zero goal. “We have long advocated for a national engineering and technology workforce strategy to streamline coherent action, replacing the current fragmented approach where different areas develop their own solutions in isolation, sometimes effectively in competition. “To address future skills shortages, the workforce strategy must be linked to a comprehensive education and skills plan, underpinned by enhanced careers advice in schools and an urgent solution to current STEM teacher shortages. We will support the new government in taking action to turbocharge the sector.” SCR Air, a company specialising in energy-efficient air compressors, is marking its 10-year anniversary with an expansion in the UK. The company, which has been supplying Japanesedesigned compressors primarily for the Asian market, has achieved an impressive track record of delivering 23% energy savings. With over 160,000 units in operation globally, these compressors have proven to be highly reliable, enabling SCR Air to offer extended warranties of up to seven years. Since entering the UK market, SCR Air has maintained its focus on providing energy-efficient compressors with competitive pricing and short lead times. However, the company’s continued growth in both machine and parts sales has led to a need for more storage space. In response, SCR Air is relocating to a new facility in Worcestershire as part of its 10-year celebration. The new site, located in the picturesque Worcestershire countryside, offers 5600ft2 of warehouse space. This increased capacity will allow SCR Air to stock and deliver any compressor up to 75kW from within the UK. Additionally, the move will ensure that supporting parts are available with similarly short lead times. The new facility also includes a converted, centuries-old hop barn that will serve as offices and a training centre. SCR Air plans to offer regular training courses for both end users and support agents, covering topics from basic compressed air principles to technical training on their range of compressors. The Motion & Drives area will feature a joint stand for VDMA members and the “Motion & Drives Conference Stage”, organised by the VDMA Drive Technology and Fluid Power associations. This forum will address current industry issues such as digitalisation, interconnectivity, Manufacturing-X, OPC UA, umati, energy efficiency, carbon footprint, digital product passports, and recycling management. Additionally, a special show by the EU-funded Fluid 4.0 research project will explore digital and sustainable solutions in fluid and drive technology. The VDMA’s umati initiative aims to simplify data access by providing an interface for seamless integration of data, including from drive technology. Hannover Messe is renowned as the world’s leading trade fair for industry, where participants from engineering, electrical, digital, and energy sectors present solutions under the theme of “Industrial Transformation”. The 2025 event will also include key areas such as Smart Manufacturing, Digital Ecosystems, Energy for Industry, Compressed Air & Vacuum Technology, Engineered Parts & Solutions, Future Hub, and International Trade & Investment, complemented by a conference programme featuring around 1600 speakers. Canada will be the partner country for this edition. EngineeringUK urges new UK Government to address STEM skills and workforce shortages SCR Air expands UK operations with new Worcestershire facility and training centre
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