Manufacturing champion urges more action on skills

Greater efforts are needed to make science, technology and engineering subjects more appealing to young people, to help meet future skills demands in sectors such as manufacturing, a leading figure has said.

High Value Manufacturing Catapult chief executive Katherine Bennett told an audience: “Our future depends on the next generation of engineers and scientists, building innovations that can help solve climate change and prevent the next pandemic.”

She added: “We need the right skills in the right places to deliver these innovations across our country. For this, we need to make our STEM education system more accessible and more attractive, encouraging more students to pick up the baton.”

She added that more must be done to encourage girls into the profession, pointing out that only 16% of engineering graduates are currently women.

Katherine Bennett made her remarks as she accepted an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from the University of the West of England.

She spoke favourably about the university’s Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation skills development scheme and specialised courses such as Robotics.

Katherine Bennett also pointed to the work of the National Composites Centre in Bristol, which she said is helping companies to de-risk manufacturing innovation.

Welcoming her award of an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering, the university’s vice chancellor Professor Steve West said: “We’re delighted to recognise Katherine’s incredible contribution within the aviation and manufacturing industries. 

“Not only is she an exceptional leader and role model, but is also passionate about the communities she serves and the power of education and business working together to transform lives.”

Katherine Bennett is also chair of the Western Gateway business partnership in South West England. Its vice chair councillor Toby Savage remarked: “I’d like to congratulate Katherine on receiving this well deserved honorary degree and look forward to continuing to work together to promote the great skills we have across our area.”

Before joining the High Value Manufacturing Catapult last year to help accelerate new concepts in manufacturing, Katherine worked at Airbus for 16 years. She also worked for Vauxhall Motors.

She was appointed a CBE in 2019 for services to the aerospace and aviation sector.