Engineers needed for every link in the supply chain

Many reports continue to call for more qualified engineers to work in the many sectors of the U.K. science and engineering sectors. There is also some evidence that more students are choosing the necessary STEM subjects. However, an article in The Engineer magazine examines the suggestion that it is SMEs in the supply chains to the key sectors that are particularly struggling to find the right people. In the motor industry for example, there are other opportunities as well as working for names such as Jaguar and Landrover. Paul Everitt who heads up the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) comments “Whilst people might want to get into the automotive sector they might not necessarily see some of those supply chain companies as the route they want to go, so that’s a challenge.” For more on the picture of other supply chain options read the full article at http://www.theengineer.co.uk/in-depth/analysis/smes-likely-to-see-the-largest-need-for-graduate-recruitment/1014229.article

The latest in car design – steer-by-wire control

Usually found on aircraft rather than cars, steer-by wire controls will be used in a new Nissan car due to be launched in 2013. According to an article on the BBC Technology page, Nissan says that the move away from the current hydraulic and mechanical system will mean ‘ an improved driving experience as the driver’s intentions would be transmitted to the wheels faster than by using a hydraulic and mechanical system.’ With further developments, it could also mean further freedom for car designers as the steering wheel could be located in different areas within the vehicle. The technology may also contribute to the development of driverless cars. There is some history of similar technology being used in the braking systems of different vehicles with varying degrees of success. For the history and future of electronic, rather than mechanical, design in car manufacturing, visit the BBC website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19979380

Engineering – how much do qualifications improve salary prospects?

Has all your time spent in lectures and engineering labs been worth it? Does time studying improve your salary prospects? The answer may be both ‘yes’ and ‘no’ according to recent articles on The Engineer magazine website. Results from a study commissioned by the Royal Academy of Engineers found that those with an engineering qualification could achieve a 15% wage premium compared to the average UK salary. When compared to a career in finance or business this may not be considered very large but Stephen Harris’ article looks at the situation from a different angle. Other data shows engineering graduates earning 32% more than someone with two ‘A’ Levels; the average graduate earning just 27% more than that same ‘A’ Level qualified recruit. In addition engineering salaries ‘rose sharply with experience’ suggesting an industry sector that values such experience. Read more on this analysis of the value of engineering qualifications on The Engineer website http://www.theengineer.co.uk/opinion/comment/how-much-is-an-engineer-worth/1014095.article#ixzz28ix9JdLK

Another great Olympic team – the engineers behind 2012

The athletes, the volunteers and the great British public have all been celebrated but what about the other team who ‘made’ the Olympics? In the latest edition of The Engineer magazine, ‘The Gamesmakers’ article looks at the people behind the engineering infrastructure for the opening and closing ceremonies. In an interview with Piers Shepperd, the ceremony’s technical director, there is a fascinating insight into how the needs of the ceremony were built into the stadium right from the start. In particular, a huge aerial cable-net system was needed involving a mass of remote-control winches and trolleys. Timing was vital to avoid collisions between such things as 32 Mary Poppins and an 18ft Voldemort. Thomas Heatherwick’s design for the cauldron involved making 23 tonnes of metal compact enough to fit on the 18m diameter lift below the stage. For more on the range of engineering expertise behind the ceremony, read page 16 of the latest digital edition http://www.centaur2.co.uk/emags/theengineer/te-092012/

PPMA 2012 at the NEC – for all involved in process and production.

Wherever your responsibilities lie in the production chain from food processing to filling machinery or packaging innovations, this year’s PPMA show at Birmingham has a lot to offer. The annual exhibition from the Process and Packaging Machinery Association takes place at the NEC from the 25- 27^th September with nearly 300 stands and a machinery advice area with representatives from the PPMA itself. Industry sectors represented cover everything from pharmaceuticals and confectionary to publishing and energy management. The exhibition also features a series of live debates at ‘The Manufacturing Forum’, hosted by the editors of Packaging News, Process Engineering and Machinery Update. Topics to be discussed include industry training, sustainability in the packaging industry and the issues surrounding introducing new pack innovations. For all those involved in production management or process engineering, read more about the event here and register for free. http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/

Success for Nailsworth engineering firm

Fluid Transfer International, based in Nailsworth, has secured a major £2.11 million deal in Indonesia. The engineering company, which supplies aircraft refuelling units for aircraft throughout the world, will now supply 22 hydrant dispenser vehicles to the national oil company of Indonesia. They will be used throughout the country’s airports. Managing director, John Little, speaking in South West Business News, said that the company ‘would be recruiting assembly, production and project engineers for the period of the contract’ meaning 25 new jobs for the area. Mr Little also said that the company had also been working hard ‘to win orders overseas’ after initially being more dependent on the UK defence industry. Winning the Indonesia order also involved advice and support from the Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce and local M.P. Richard Graham. For more details of the company’s success read the full article here http://www.southwestbusiness.co.uk/news/24072012074439-engineering-firm-secures--2-1m-airport-deal/

Opportunities in process engineering

Often overlooked in some career discussions on engineering, process engineering can offer good prospects in many different industrial sectors. An article on The Engineer website discusses the options in process engineering from  the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to polymer production and the nuclear industry. According to a regional industry body, the process sectors are expected to need 10,000 skilled engineers over the next ten years — just in their region. For those wanting more information about the role of a process engineer and career progression, Cogent, the sector skills council for many related industries have put together an online tool to look at an engineer’s options. The article is very positive about the role’s potential. ‘For those tempted by  a career in process engineering, not only will their skills be in demand, but they will also  have a chance to innovate in areas that can have a profound impact on society.’ Read more: http://www.theengineer.co.uk/skills-and-careers/in-depth/healing-process-careers-in-the-process-sector/1013154.article#ixzz23Qy8wTPR

New High Speed Manufacturing Institute announced

A new joint government and business initiative was announced last week to develop ‘new and innovative ways to improve manufacturing techniques and increase productivity’. The project centers on the building of a new High Speed Sustainable Manufacturing Institute, based at the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) in Essex. With investment from the government and Ford Britain, the institute aims to bring together manufacturing experts from business, engineering and academia to develop new manufacturing techniques and skills. Joe Greenwell, Ford Britain chairman, commented, “The Institute will accelerate research and developments in innovative manufacturing systems that will help underpin the future of the UK's high value manufacturing sector. This complements the work that Ford is already doing in this area and also provides significant opportunities for supply chain partners."  For more on the aims of the new institute, read the whole article in Machinery magazine or online at http://www.machinery.co.uk/machinery-news/high-speed-sustainable-manufacturing-institute/43844/

Managing energy – new report from Siemens

After raw materials, energy costs are often the most significant area in manufacturing and set to rise further. With this in mind, Siemens undertook a survey of 600 firms to see how they approach energy management – the results of which are discussed in a recent issue of Engineering magazine. In the survey, only 69% of energy managers thought that their company was taking energy usage seriously, although many were planning to make energy saving investments in manufacturing technology. Such energy managers are involved throughout the company from gathering initial data to looking at the whole product lifecycle in a holistic approach. The article particularly looks at an important new area for energy saving – ‘the utilisation of intelligent process automation in industrial plants’ where estimates of energy savings up to 15 percent can be achieved. For more on the importance and role of an energy specialist or manager read the full article at http://www.engineeringmagazine.co.uk/features/Acompetitivefuture.html

Designing the future in aviation

 What could the future really look like in aircraft design?  Stuart Nathan, writing in The Engineer magazine, looks at some of the real blue sky thinking from the major players. At the Green Aviation symposium held recently at Imperial College, Airbus presented a concept plane and engine maker Pratt and Whitney looked at new ways to improve engine efficiency. The placement of the engine is key to some of the suggestions now being made, often with plans to place it the rear of the aircraft. This leaves more options open to designers in the shape of the wings and the rest of the fuselage. In the article, the Airbus concept plane is described as having ‘body-incorporated engines, swept laminar wings, and a transparent cabin roof.’ Another design from Reaction Engines is also shown compared to the present-day  Airbus A380. For more on the ideas from today’s aircraft designers read the whole article at http://www.theengineer.co.uk/home/blog/breaking-the-airliner-paradigm/1013042.article

Gloucestershire companies at Farnborough International Air Show 2012

Local aviation companies such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GE Aviation will be some of the hundreds of exhibitors from all over the world at the Farnborough International Airshow 2012. The huge trade exhibition gives the chance for key players in the aviation industry to highlight their latest developments, including those from research, development and manufacturing sites in Gloucestershire and the south west. Other local organisations attending include the Midlands Aerospace Alliance.  The show takes place every two years  - this year from the 9^th-15^th July. The first five days are for the trade and the following weekend is for the public to see a huge range of flying demonstrations. Trade events will include displays in the Innovation zone, briefing on materials and manufacturing and conferences on both the space and defence industry. For more airshow information whether you’re  a professional from the aerospace industry or are considering a career move,  visit the show’s website at http://www.farnborough.com/

Logistics Link Live 2012

Logistics managers in the Midlands and Gloucestershire have a local opportunity to attend a national exhibition and conference at Logistics Link Live at the NEC on 13^th and 14^th June 2012. The Logistics Managers conference program offers a full timetable of speakers including topics such as “multi channel e-commerce fulfillment solutions’ and ‘Supply chain 2020’. In addition a series of technology supplier seminars offers presentations from companies such as Inotec Barcode Security and Cirrus. With the space available at the NEC, there are also live demonstration zones including warehouse equipment and packaging. To make the day even more productive, your badge allows you entry to the Subcon Show – the U.K. Contract Manufacturing and Technology show - also taking place at the NEC. Here technologies on display include machining, electronics and plastic mouldings. For full details and how to register as a delegate visit the exhibition website at http://live.logisticslink.co.uk/en/Default.aspx

U.K. Oil industry looking for engineers

Experienced engineer looking for a change? The oil and gas industry are on the hunt for skilled engineers, even offering ‘transformation training programmes’ to transfer skills ready for work in this challenging and well-paid sector. The Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation (OPITO) recently published its Labour Market Intelligence survey indicating that a large proportion of operators found it difficult to recruit skilled engineers. Managing director of OPITO, Larraine Boorman, comments in The Engineer magazine that, “as an industry we need to make sure the potential talent sees us as an attractive career option.’ Part of that attraction could well be the average salary which is more than double that of the national average - £55,850 compared to £26,244. The industry has also been boosted by initiatives in this year’s budget, including the opening of new fields west of Shetland. For more on a potentially profitable career move, read the article at http://www.theengineer.co.uk/skills-and-careers/in-depth/career-platform-opportunities-in-the-uk-oil-and-gas-sector/1012588.article#ixzz1vUxUlDRi

Latest Queen’s Awards in Manufacturing

Gloucestershire firm, Renishaw, were one of the winners of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise announced recently. Their award in the Innovation category was for its high accuracy analogue scanning probe system for use in automotive and power train applications. The awards are awarded by region in three categories – innovation, international trade and sustainable development. An article on ‘The Manufacturer’ website looks at other winners including JCB winning an award in the International Trade category and Racal Acoustics for the development of the Raptor – a military communications headset. One of the smaller and newer companies receiving an award was ‘Tangle Teezer’ – a product turned down by the investors on the Dragon’s Den television programme. Its inventor, Shaun Pulfrey, then remortgaged his flat to fund the business and has now distributed 2 million hairbrushes worldwide. For more of the 209 winners, from a range of British manufacturing companies and sectors, read the whole article at http://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/uk-manufacturers-among-queens-awards-winners-for-2012/

BAE test pilotless planes

The defence and aircraft industries have taken another step towards unmanned flights with BAE Systems carrying out a new series of test flights over the Irish Sea. As part of a consortium that includes other major U.K. engineering companies such as Cobham, Qinetiq and Rolls-Royce, project Astraea is using a Jetstream propeller plane. Although some technicians are on board, the plane will fly autonomously at key points during the flight. The article on the Guardian website, explains the difference between this unmanned air vehicle (UAV) and ‘drones’ used in Afghanistan. ‘Drones…are flown remotely by pilots on the ground. Instead the prototypes will follow a set of programmed instructions…they could fly difficult missions autonomously for days at a time.’ These steps towards unmanned flights pose both technical and legal questions, particularly when used in a military context. Read the debate in the article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/may/07/pilotless-planes-test-flights-astraea

British company to build European Space Agency satellite

Fifty years to the day since Britain launched its first satellite, Ariel-1, British company, Astrium UK in Stevenage, have signed a deal to build the European Space Agency’s latest satellite. The Solar Orbiter (SolO) will be designed to ‘travel closer to the Sun than any other satellite to date’ according to an article on the BBC’s science website. The mission is designed to find out how the Sun affects the environment and the atmosphere, particularly solar winds and ‘space weather’ according to solar physicists working on the project. The deal is worth ₤245M and will also involve groups from the UK Space Agency and NASA. Head of science at Astrium UK, Dr Ralph Cordey, explains some of the challenges facing the science and engineering teams in an accompanying video. For full details of Britain’s latest space science initiative read the article here   http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17743190

Invention Inspiration

Whatever you’re designing, engineering or developing this week, take some time out to be inspired by the entrants at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva. A photo gallery on the Guardian website looks at several of the 789 exhibitors form 46 countries taking part. The article mentions in particular a hands free umbrella and a landing system for planes involving a series of parachutes. Some of the entrants are just prototypes, such as the folding electric bike, but all may give some inspiration regardless of your product or service area.  According to the article, “Even the ribbon-cutting was done by a humanoid robot.” The exhibition is in its 40^th year and organisers were pleased to see more than 60,000 visitors despite “the cost of the Swiss franc and the economic situation throughout the world”. For the full range of photos from the exhibition visit the website at http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gallery/2012/apr/19/international-exhibition-invention-geneva#/?picture=388907152&index=0

Shale Gas – what do the risk managers say?

Will shale gas become part of the U.K. energy industry or does it pose a threat as some campaigners say? Engineers and project managers looking at this potential new sector of the industry could read the report from insurance brokers, Willis, discussed on the Guardian website. According to the article, the report ‘looked at the risks…and concluded that as long as shale gas companies adhere to industry best practice, the risks can be significantly reduced.’ The report noted that it is the casing of the well that is crucial where best industry practice is to ‘drill a well with intermediate casing 4,000 feet deep into the layer of rock beneath which lie the vast majority of gas deposits.’ While the industry was given a ‘reasonable risk profile’ a commentator noted that ‘underwriters are not there to cover long-term health hazard and other latent issues." so debates on this new energy sector are probably set to continue.Read the article here http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/apr/17/shale-gas-fracking-risks-insurance-broker?newsfeed=true

Carbon capture and storage – a whole new industry?

Will carbon capture and storage be the next big industrial sector for engineering and project management? The government is investing more than ₤1bn – allocated to fund a competition and potentially a new industry. CCS projects capture the carbon dioxide from power plant emissions and store them underground. A similar project was cancelled in October; this time it has different parameters. According to a report on the Guardian website, some sources estimate that the industry could generate more than 100,000 jobs once a company can design “the first workable demonstration project’. Nick Baveystock, of the Institution of Civil Engineers, is quoted as saying "CCS is a long way from being realised in a suitable form and at a competitive price…Government must try and regain lost ground in this area, but it remains to be seen whether this second attempt will be more successful than the first." Learn more about CCS and read the full article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/apr/03/carbon-capture-storage-competition?newsfeed=true

Support for South West defence industry

The importance of the defence industry in the South West was highlighted this week for both the technology it supplies and the jobs it creates. Defence Minister, Peter Luff, talked about both points when he visited the Ministry of Defence establishment, Abbey Wood, in Flinton, Bristol. Speaking to the Gazette newspaper, he is quoted as saying "Companies of all sizes supply the defence sector…in Bristol and up the M5 corridor into Gloucestershire…it is really exciting to see the ingenuity of British engineering being used so effectively at the MoD.” He also commented on the need for more young people to go into engineering, particularly in the defence sector. Some of the product shown to Mr Luff and other industry figures included developments in communication that block out any noise disturbance, night vision monocles and solar thermal water heaters. Read the full article at
http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/9621288.Defence_minister_praises_staff_in_visit_to_South_Gloucestershire/

Infrastructure projects boost demand for engineers

Despite weaker job prospects in other areas, engineering continues to show demand outstripping supply for professional and skilled engineering candidates. The latest survey demonstrating this continuing need is from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo). According to the details from an article in Process Engineering, a supplement of The Engineer magazine, ‘vacancies for engineers were up 1% year-on-year for permanent candidates; vacancies for temps and contractors were up 7% year-on-year’. The report says, in particular, it is the increase in investment in large infrastructure projects that is pushing this positive trend. On example of such a project is Crossrail. Chief executive for APSCo, Ann Swain, is quoted as saying “Crossrail is Europe’s largest construction project and has created huge demand for engineering and project management specialists.” Read more on the demand of engineers in the full article in Process Engineering. http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/process-engineering/-engineering-skills-in-high-demand-as-infrastructure-investment-hits-record-level/1011984.article

Project Challenge 2012

For many professional project managers and programme directors, there are just a few days to go before the Project Challenge show at Olympia on the 21st and 22nd March. Organisers describe it as ‘The U.K.’s leading show for projects, programmes, process and resource.’
The scope of the exhibition covers all aspects of project management including implementation, planning, purchasing and supply. One area is ‘The Expertise Zone’, where real stories are shared looking at case studies and presentations from PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Innate, the human resources software management company.
Once back in the office, many presentations can be accessed online for registered delegates. In between seminars, there are a range of exhibitors from project planning management companies to professional institutes such as the APM. If you’re attending or might still want to register visit the organiser’s webpage at http://www.projchallenge.com/index.cfm

The rise of subcontracting - new survey

Are you working for part of the growing sub-contract and contracting manufacturing sector? According to research by the organisers of Subcon 2012, taking place at the NEC in June, many companies are ‘looking to take a strategic approach to long-term outsourcing of their production.’ Companies surveyed still look to subcontractors and OEMs (original equipment
manufacturers) for the usual reason of extra capacity but increasingly they also outsource activities so they can focus on their own core competencies. In the article on the Midland Business News website, results also show that ‘41% used subcontractors to gain access to processes they didn't want in-house and a third were using subcontractors rather than investing in non-core capital equipment.’ Organisers of the exhibition also say that the newer industries are also exhibiting this year such as composite suppliers, 3D modelling and design services and electronics companies. For more information on this changing sector and the exhibition read the full article at
http://www.midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk/2012-03/subcontracting-market-set-for-growth.aspx

Nuclear Academy in Gloucester

The nuclear energy and engineering sector is becoming a growth sector for professional engineers, graduates and apprentices to consider, particularly in the Gloucestershire area. EDF’s nuclear academy, based in Barnwood, trains 2,500 people a year at a range of levels . According to an article in The Engineer magazine, it is looking to recruit 80 nuclear science and engineering graduates in Autumn 2012. EDF Energy is one of three consortia looking to build 6 new nuclear power stations by the end of 2027, generating thousands of jobs nationally and related support roles, many at Barnwood. Universities are being encouraged to offer more degrees particularly related to the nuclear engineering sector but there are other skills that are needed as part of the mix. The article lists skills required as “design, planning, project management and safety case development, construction and civil engineering.” For more information on the rise of the nuclear industry read the full article at http://www.theengineer.co.uk/skills-and-careers/in-depth/nuclear-opportunities/1011776.article

Bristol and Bath Science Park hosts national summit

Leading manufacturers from across the South West came to the Bristol and Bath Science Park last week for the Government’s Manufacturing Summit. As well as the opportunity to show regional innovation and development,the summit hosted key U.K. industry figures who heard Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announce £ 1 billion additional support for the Regional Growth Fund.

The summit particularly discussed ‘commercialisation of new technology and research, promoting manufacturing and increasing exports.’ The Bristol and Bath Science Park was opened in September 2011, encouraging local businesses in many areas. Bonnie Dean, chief executive of the Bristol & Bath Science Park said that the park is also “…part of a long term objective to create a place for industry, academia and government to collaborate and to accelerate the commercialisation of those collaborations." For more details on the summit and Science Park read the full article here http://www.bbsp.co.uk/bristol-and-bath-science-park-news/

Great potential in marine power

Marine energy could be the next growth area in environmental technology and employment but the U.K. must not ‘squander its lead’ in technology development, as it is perceived to have done in the wind power industry. This was one of the conclusions of a recent report by the Energy and Climate Committee. The Carbon Trust estimated that marine power could create 10,000 jobs by 2020, according to a review of the report on the BBC News website. The Carbon Trust also estimated the value of the global market as £340bn in 2050, with the UK claiming about one-fifth of the business. Tim Yeo MP, the committee's chairman, said, “It should be a priority for the government to ensure that the UK remains at the cutting edge of developments in this technology.” For more details on the readiness of the U.K. to benefit from such technology potential, read the full article on the BBC website.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17078726

The first carbon neutral city

Achieving success in the business of reducing emissions and fossil fuel usage doesn’t always have to come from the latest environmental technology. Or at least, mixing the latest innovations with methods that have been tried and tested over the centuries may be a way to move forward. On the Fast:track section of the BBC website, Fiona Foster looks at Masdar in Abu Dhabi where aims to create a carbon neutral environment mean experimenting with new and old technology.
Ideas like grouping buildings together to create shade and a modern version of an Arabic air tunnel, often built in desert buildings, have reduced ground temperatures and the need for air-conditioning . Elsewhere in the city, the biggest solar energy plant in the Middle East provides 10 megawatts of power. The development is a huge contrast to other hi-energy projects such as the huge dome for skiing when it’s 40°C outside. Watch the fascinating video at htttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/fast_track/9695251.stm

Scholarships for energy studies

New scholarship and research grants in both energy and environmental studies have been announced by Scottish Power. The awards will help potential Masters students choosing to study at one of four universities: University of Edinburgh, University of Strathclyde, Imperial College London and University of Liverpool.
In previous years, Scottish Power have funded studies in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment. In the article on the website www.postgrad.com with details of many postgraduate study programs, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Scottish Power, Ann Loughrey, says, “ We believe that investing in skills development and education is an important contribution towards developing future skilled leaders and professionals equipped with the highest level of training for the industry.” The funding includes enrolment costs and a living allowance. The closing date for entries is Feb 29th for interested potential energy and environmental engineers. http://www.postgrad.com/Energy_and_environment_scholarships_available/newsstory/1062/

The success story of Renishaw

From solving an engineering problem on the fuel pipes of Concorde to running a company now employing 2700 people, Sir David McMurtry’s story is a fascinating one. The chairman/chief executive and co-founder of precision engineering company, Renishaw, is interviewed in this month’s edition of Cotswold Life describing his initial career at Rolls Royce and onto how the company was formed.
In terms of employment, Renishaw is still a company taking on apprentices – 25 last year. It is also a company that invests with £40 million spent on R&D and engineering in the year ended June 2011. At the UK Business Awards last year, the judges said that ‘Renishaw is not only exporting British designed and British manufactured products to over 30 countries, but attracting more graduates into manufacturing.’ For more background on this local success and the man who, at 71, is still its chief designer, read the full article http://cotswold.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/renishaw-irreplaceable-37970/

Kick start for new project managers

Project management students, experienced professionals and those thinking of a career change to project management are all invited to a ‘Kick Start your career in Project Management’ event. The evening, at the University of the West of England in Bristol, will be the inaugural event of the new South West and West of England branch of the Association of Project Management.
Presenters will include the APM Young Project Manager of the Year (Will Sargeant) and Simon Reid from Babcock International Group. The evening will also feature interactive sessions and chance to network with new and established project managers. Attendees do not have to be a member of the organisation and the event is free – an excellent opportunity to get professional advice for starting out in professional project management. Whether this will be your first career or maybe your next career with your existing engineering or management experience, get more details here. http://www.apm.org.uk/event/kick-start-your-career-project-management

Civil engineering awards in Gloucestershire

Civil engineering companies and individuals in Gloucestershire and the South West have several opportunities to demonstrate their expertise this year. Companies can enter the ‘ICE South West Civil Engineering Project of the Year Award’ with categories for small and large projects – those above and below £1M. The Institute of Civil Engineering award is to ‘recognise construction projects within the South West area… which promotes the excellence of the engineering profession.’

Alternatively graduates with less than 7 years’ experience in the civil engineering industry can enter the ICE Communications Competition 2012 as a team. This competition looks at communicating engineering projects to the general public, including a panel presentation. Deadlines for these competitions are the 30th April and 1st Feb respectively although the deadline for a third competition, ICE South West Graduate and Student Papers Competition, is just days away on the 20th January. Good luck to all Gloucestershire projects and engineers. Full
details at http://www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/UK-Regions/South-West/ICE-South-West-Awards-and-Competitions

Contractors confident in 2012

According to recent research by contracts service provider, Giant, engineering contractors are confident about both job prospects and pay levels. The survey which looked at responses from 165 contractors, is discussed on the IET’s (Institute of Engineering and Technology) website.

The research found that ‘61 per cent of engineering contractors expected their pay to rise in 2012, compared to just 51 per cent who forecasted an increase at the end of 2010.’ Rising confidence was also indicated by a ‘growing preference for higher hourly pay over a longer term contract.’ Matthew Brown, group managing director of Giant, said that demand was in part being fuelled by lack of engineering skills particularly in specialist areas. “ The growth of the nuclear industry, … the development of renewable energy sources and clean fossil fuels, is stimulating demand for
process and chemical engineers for example,” Brown said. For more details see the full article here http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2012/jan/giant-engineering.cfm

New Manufacturing Advisory Service launched

Business Minister, Mark Prisk, launched a new advisory service for all manufacturing business this week – to be known as MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service) with details available at www.mymas.org. The service should offer a range of services from an enquiry line to national events and a consultancy service with associated funding available. “Manufacturing contributes half of Britain’s exports and has much higher productivity than the rest of the economy so it is essential to our plans for growth,” said the Business Minister.

The new service and manufacturing initiative will be delivered by a consortium, comprised of Grant Thornton, Pera, WM Manufacturing Consortium Ltd and SWMAS Ltd. Karl Eddy, from the consortium, said that ‘we encourage business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector to contact a local advisor to find out more about how MAS can deliver real benefits for their business." For further details visit the website of the government’s Business, Innovation and Skills department. http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=422689&NewsAreaID=2