Institution of Mechanical Engineers responds to Theresa May’s proposal to cut charges for humanities

Peter Finegold, Head of Education Policy at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said about Theresa May’s proposal to cut charges for humanities degree courses as part of the Government’s view of the cost of tuition fees:
“Charging higher fees for STEM subjects will have a detrimental impact on the skills shortage in engineering industries and will further undermine social mobility for young people from poorer backgrounds. At a time when the UK needs to produce more graduates of these subjects, charging more for an engineering degree will act as a disincentive for students.
“Engineering is one of the most expensive degree courses, but also amongst the most valuable for our economy - in 2016 the sector contributed £486 billion (over 25%) of the UK’s GDP.
“Talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds will feel particularly reluctant to pursue engineering as a career. They will, no doubt, feel that they ought to study a cheaper course, rather than pursuing an engineering degree that will lead to a fulfilling and interesting career.

Spotlight

Other News
Engineering Tech, Construction

Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

Read More

Spotlight

Resources