Skills boost for UK electronics industry

Citation

(2002), "Skills boost for UK electronics industry", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 34 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2002.03734dab.003

Skills boost for UK electronics industry

Skills boost for UK electronics industry

The UK Government and industry have joined forces in a £2.8 million training scheme that aims to maintain the UK's position as a world leader in electronics – an industry worth £45 billion in the UK.

The printed-circuit board (PCB) design scheme, funded jointly by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Federation of the Electronics Industry (FEI), aims to increase career opportunities in PCB design, and improve the skills of those training and already working in the industry.

PCBs are found in virtually every electronic item, from personal computers to children's toys. They enable people to use a mobile phone, programme the washing machine and read album titles on a hi-fi.

The UK is currently a global leader in PCB design, with 40 per cent of all independent PCB design houses in Europe and more than 5,000 designers. To maintain its competitive position, the UK will need at least 500 more PCB designers over the next four years.

Douglas Alexander, E-commerce Minister, said: "If we are to maintain our position as a major global player in electronics we must work hard to meet the demands of an expanding market. The printed-circuit board design scheme will develop skilled people to support the rapid technological advancements of today."

Anthony Parish, FEI director-general, said: "This initiative is all about moving up the value chain, capitalizing on the UK's leadership in printed-circuit board design and the demand here for more designers.

The scheme will provide our electronics industry with the high-quality design engineers it needs to sustain and develop added-value design and manufacturing activity in the UK. It will boost career development in one of the UK's most exciting and fast-moving industrial sectors."