Those seeking engineering jobs in the UK may be interested in new proposals from the government to increase skills in the sector.

Under the plans, launched by business secretary Vince Cable, £6.5 million has been allocated to schemes that will develop experience within the renewable energy industry.

According to the minister, speaking during a visit to the University of Edinburgh, "engineering skills are vital for the growth of a more sustainable economy and are in high demand from employers".

The skills plans will involve leading partners - such as Rolls-Royce, Shell and EDF Energy - and universities in order to train leading students at a new Industrial Doctorate Centre in Offshore Renewable Energy and provide them with commercial experience.

Mr Cable explained that those involved will be able to work with leading energy businesses in order to develop future green technologies.

More engineering jobs in the UK are expected to result from two contracts worth £30 million that have been signed by offshore engineering specialist Petrofac to provide services to GDF Suez in the North Sea.

Posted by Kate Griffin