Helping young people become the engineers of the future is crucial for UK: Sarah Gregory

At the same time, large parts of the workforce are approaching retirement, particularly in sectors such as aerospace and defence, where a sizeable proportion of engineers and technicians are expected to leave the profession within the next decade. This is not a distant risk. It is a present and growing gap.

As a specialist engineering business working at the forefront of radio frequency technology and advanced systems and operating in a landscape where knowledge-intensive skills are the foundation of innovation, we see this first-hand. As UK manufacturing continues to evolve towards high-value, highly specialised niches, the demand for these capabilities will only increase.

That’s why engaging with students is not a ‘nice to have,’ it’s essential for building a sustainable business, and it shouldn’t be left to bigger businesses alone. Slipstream is a team of 26 currently, with 13 of those hired over the last three years in ‘earn and learn’ positions. I believe there is something every business can do, regardless of its size, to raise awareness of the career possibilities within STEM and help develop our industry’s talent pipeline.

For many young people, particularly those without direct exposure to the industry, engineering can feel abstract or inaccessible, so bringing it to life is critical.

Early exposure matters. Offering work experience placements to students from GCSE through to university level, including year-in-industry roles, needs to become the norm for every engineering business. Our work placements provide hands-on experience, helping students build both technical and professional skills, creating clear pathways into employment. Several of our placement students have returned as full-time team members after completing their studies.

Working closely with universities is one way of bridging that gap. Through our relationship with the University of Leeds, including engagement with its Satellite Communications Group, we open our doors to students and share real-world applications of their studies.

When students visit our site, they are not just observing. They are interacting with engineers, exploring live demonstrations and seeing how their academic knowledge translates into tangible impact.

Equally important is ensuring opportunities are open to everyone. Engineering remains a male-dominated field, and the gender pay gap in STEM persists. We actively support initiatives that promote access and representation, including mentoring young women and non-binary students at local events and participating in programmes designed to broaden participation.

Recognising and rewarding talent is important, too. Through our sponsorship of the Slipstream Design Award for Outstanding Achievement in Computer Science at Leeds Beckett University, we are investing directly in the next generation and celebrating excellence right where it emerges.

Supporting STEM careers is not a one-off initiative. It must be embedded in business operations. Continuous learning, research and development are part of everyday life here.

Our team is encouraged to publish, present and collaborate, ensuring that expertise is not only developed but shared across the business at all levels.

The UK does not lack ambition or innovation. What it lacks is a sufficiently strong pipeline of skilled people to sustain both. If engineering businesses want to secure their future, they must play an active role in building that pipeline.

Sarah Gregory is commercial director for Slipstream Engineering Design