News 08 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk August/September 2025 Engineering and technology courses have seen the largest increase in placed applicants in this year’s university admissions, according to new data released on A Level and T Level results day. The figures also show that, for the second year in a row, STEM subjects have grown in popularity, with mathematics remaining the most popular A Level subject. While demand for engineering at university and college is rising, research from Universities UK has highlighted a reduction in funding allocation for so-called “high-cost” courses such as engineering. This trend is seen as a concern, given that the Government’s Industrial Strategy identifies engineering skills as “at the heart” of several priority growth sectors. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is continuing to urge the government to support the university sector in addressing the gap between demand and funding for high-cost courses. This year also marks the second cohort of students completing the Engineering and Manufacturing T Level. Sector bodies say they are closely monitoring the destinations of these learners. Alongside T Levels, BTEC and other vocational qualifications remain important routes into engineering careers, providing pathways to apprenticeships and technical roles. Employers and sector organisations, including members of Skills England, have committed to working together to ensure regional opportunities are available for young people entering the engineering workforce. Surge in demand for engineering courses UN plastic pollution talks collapse amid global divisions Global negotiations aimed at tackling plastic pollution have collapsed, with nations deeply divided over how best to address the escalating crisis. According to the BBC, this was the sixth round of talks in under three years. More than 100 countries have been pushing for a reduction in plastic production, while oil-producing states argue for a greater focus on recycling initiatives. While plastics underpin almost every modern industry, scientists are increasingly sounding the alarm over toxic chemicals leaching into soil, waterways, and even human bodies in trace amounts. In the UK, the government introduced new restrictions in October 2023 on the sale of certain single-use plastics. Retailers, takeaway outlets, and hospitality venues are now banned from supplying plastic cutlery, balloon sticks, polystyrene cups, and food containers. The move targets products that contribute disproportionately to plastic waste, with research showing that only 10% of the 2.7 billion single-use cutlery items used annually are recycled. The decision was welcomed by igus, a global leader in motion plastics, which called the legislation “a positive step toward reducing environmental harm and accelerating the transition to a circular economy”. The company continues to support efforts to combat single-use plastics as the UN process remains deadlocked. However, igus argues that genuine, long-term change requires more than bans alone. Through its chainge recycling programme, the company enables customers to return used plastic energy chains for responsible recycling and reuse—an approach it says actively promotes a circular economy by keeping valuable materials in use and out of the waste stream. The company is also innovating beyond recycling. It has developed self-lubricating, high-performance polymers designed for extended service life, reducing the frequency of replacements and the overall volume of industrial waste. These advanced materials also remove the need for external lubricants, which can contaminate ecosystems, while maintaining reliable performance in demanding environments. Addressing growing concerns around chemical safety, igus has introduced PFAS-tested and PTFE-free options, offering what it describes as safer alternatives without compromising on performance. “This situation highlights how important it is to rethink how we use and dispose of plastics,” says Matthew Aldridge, Managing Director at igus in Northampton. “At igus, we believe sustainability must be built into the design of materials and systems. Our goal is to help industries move beyond single use thinking and toward long-lasting, recyclable solutions.” As international talks stall, igus is calling on other industries to join its push for innovation in sustainable engineering and to help build a future where plastics are part of the solution rather than the problem.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=