The number of engineers in the UK is insufficient to meet demand from employers, an automotive industry expert has claimed.

According to Ford Europe chairman and chief executive Stephen Odell, the skills shortage needs to be addressed in order to ensure the motor sector remains competitive, with new competencies required for the group to remain competitive.

"As the motor industry starts to recover after the recession, we are looking for more engineers," he declared, predicting a potential talent gap in the UK that may require the company going "back to the roots and start looking at apprenticeships".

Mr Odell was speaking ahead of a new initiative that will see automotive companies open their doors to students in a bid to attract more people to engineering jobs in the UK.

Taking place on June 29th, the event is a pilot that is intended to offer a first-hand look at businesses such as motorsport facilities, research centers and carmakers, forming part of the See Inside Manufacturing programme.

Posted by Alex Donnell