IChemE responds to the UK government’s industrial strategy

In response to the publication of the UK government’s industrial strategy,  IChemE Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Baker OBE commented:

IChemE welcomes the publication of the UK government's long-awaited industrial strategy. It particularly welcomes recognition of the central role of skills in achieving the government’s ambitions – the skills of chemical and process engineers in all sectors will be fundamental to success.

Chemical and process engineering and engineers underpin all of the eight sectors which the government has designated as ‘high potential’ – be it directly through application of research, scale up and full-scale production – or through the pivotal role of chemical and process engineers in ensuring food, energy and health security for all. Chemical and process engineering is also central to the foundational industries and at the forefront of ensuring these and all our other industries can continue to operate whilst reducing emissions and working towards a more sustainable world.

IChemE and its members look forward to working with government and others to achieve the ambitions set out in the industrial strategy. We will continue to support our members and others in developing their knowledge and skills throughout their careers, and redouble our efforts to encourage more young people from all backgrounds to consider engineering careers, through apprentice, technician, and graduate routes.

IChemE President, Raffaella Ocone, said: “IChemE stands ready to support implementation of the industrial strategy, representing as it does a global community of chemical and process engineers with the skills needed to make the UK and the wider world a better place for all. I am particularly pleased to see the emphasis on education and skills. This must include an on-going emphasis on upskilling and reskilling in and for the foundational industries as well as high potential sectors, so that we achieve a successful and just transition to a more sustainable future.“

To ensure that chemical and process engineering can fulfil its full potential in supporting the ambitions set out in the document, we call on the government to:

1. Prioritise funding for cutting edge research in chemical and process engineering to support the high potential sectors and foundational industries.
2. Recognise chemical and process engineering as being of strategic national importance in achieving the ambitions of the industrial strategy and putting business, entrepreneurship and innovation at the heart of the UK’ renewal.
3. Provide appropriate funding and incentives for individuals and businesses of all sizes to engage with career-long skills development – including retraining and STEM returners into the workforce.

Contact

For more information please contact:

Duncan Lugton, Head of Policy and Impact, IChemE
t: +44 (0) 1788 578214
e: dlugton@icheme.org

Press enquiries:

Patrick Ball or Ian Bolland, Stone Junction
t: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e: patrick@stonejunction.co.uk or ian@stonejunction.co.uk

What is chemical engineering?

Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.

IChemE

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries. 

We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.