The UK faces a skills shortage in mechanical and electrical engineering.
Projects take longer. Costs rise. Businesses struggle to recruit.
Schools struggle to show young people real career options.
We cannot wait for someone else to fix this.
Local employers must step forward now.
At ASH Integrated Services, we believe the most effective change starts before young people choose their future. That’s why we work directly with schools and colleges across Greater Manchester.
Start earlier than you think
Career guidance often arrives too late.
By age 14, many students already rule out engineering because:
- They think it’s “not for them”
- They don’t understand what the job involves
- They believe university is the only route to success
When employers engage in primary and early secondary school, something changes:
Curiosity
Confidence
Career awareness
Students begin to picture themselves in technical roles.
Parents recognise the earning and growth potential.
Teachers can guide students with clearer direction.
Visibility matters
Young people choose careers they see.
That’s why we deliver:
Careers assemblies
Work experience placements
Mock interviews
Industry workshops
Apprenticeship guidance
Hands-on engineering demos
We show how engineering uses maths, science, teamwork, creativity, and that it leads to secure, well-paid careers.
The result?
Students leave our sessions saying:
“I didn’t know engineering could be for someone like me.”
That’s impact.
Apprenticeships build the future
To tackle the skills shortage the industry needs more routes into work
Apprenticeships deliver exactly that.
At ASH:
- We employ 8 apprentices
- 2 more join this year
- 3 are about to qualify into full-time roles
- One now leads small site teams at just 21
Young talent grows fast when given responsibility.
The workplace becomes the classroom.
The skills gap shrinks, one apprentice at a time.
Partner with educators
We sit on The Manchester College Employer Advisory Board to help shape what students learn.
That influence matters:
If colleges teach the right skills → students arrive job-ready → employers hire faster → the whole sector wins.
Every employer has a role to play
You don’t need to be a giant corporation to make a difference.
You can:
- Visit a school
- Offer work experience
- Provide a site tour
- Become a mentor
- Support careers events
- Hire an apprentice
Small actions change lives.
The reward?
- A stronger talent pipeline
- A community that thrives
- A sector with a sustainable future
Most importantly, young people discover what’s possible.
Final Word
Engineering keeps the country moving.
We need young people who can build the future.
ASH Integrated Services will continue to inspire, support, and hire the next generation, because our industry depends on them.
If you want to explore engineering apprenticeships or employer partnerships, contact us through the website.
Tomorrow’s engineers are here.
We just need to show them the way.
