Jaguar Land Rover Wants More UK Teens to Become Engineers

Jaguar Land Rover is attempting to make engineering more popular among UK teenagers. The company conducted a study among 1000 13-16-year-olds in the UK and found that less than 20% had considered a career in engineering. In an attempt to change this trend, it is sponsoring the Big Bang science and engineering fair at the NEC in Birmingham on March 15.

The Jaguar Land Rover's stand at the Big Bang includes the Jaguar CX-75 concept, Land Rover DC110 concept, a future technology simulator, a demonstration of driver/car connectivity, a virtual car airflow analysis. School groups will get tours around the event by 110 Jaguar Land Rover graduates, and engineers will be on hand from the company to answer questions. 

The survey conducted by the company found that just 8% of girls and 29% of boys are interested in engineering. The interest varied significantly by region. The survey showed 33% of respondents in the North East had considered engineering compared to 16% from the East Midlands and 14% from the South East. 

"The success of our global business - and the UK economy - lies in engineering and innovation. JLR has ambitious plans for growth and this can only be supported by innovation in new products, engines and environmental technologies. We are the UK's leading investor in automotive research and development and we are successfully delivering breakthroughs in engineers, performance and sustainability. However, it's critical that we attract talented young people to become the next generation of engineers and technologists," said JLR Executive Director Mike Wright.