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News Release from: IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) | Subject: NE skills academy
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 November 2007
Chemical Engineers welcome recognition
by MPs
Chemical Engineers have welcomed an initiative by MPs in the UK Northeast, highlighting the continued importance of the process sector to the local and national economy.
The Early Day Motion (EDM), tabled by Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP, Ashok Kumar, recognizes the efforts of those who have collaborated to bring together a National Skills Academy for the Process Industry and acknowledged how proud those who live and work in the Northeast are that such a nationally important project will be based in their region It also urged for the chemical, petrochemical, polymer and pharmaceutical sector to be recognized as one of the biggest and best UK industries as well as the UK's finest net exporting industrial sector
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 2 Nov 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Whilst the EDM is a parliamentary device that has no bearing on the government's legislative programme, it is a useful mechanism for drawing attention to both the achievements of the process industry and the challenges faced in the years ahead.
IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) Director of Policy and Communication, Andy Furlong welcomed the EDM: "Chemical and process engineering is alive and well in the Northeast.
The investment pipeline is extremely healthy with companies like SABIC bringing forward ambitious development plans for Wilton.
The proposals for a new oil refinery on Teeside are also extremely promising and this is coupled with new developments in the biofuels, pharma and power generation sectors".
But Furlong issued a stark warning over a looming shortage of professional engineers and skilled process operators in the Northeast.
"Whilst these projects are great news for the North East, ultimately they need the people to deliver them".
The CBI (Confederation of British Industry) has identified the need for 2.4 million more science and technology graduates in the UK by 2014.
"We need to attract the brightest, young scientists and engineers into teaching, so they can pass on their passion and enthusiasm to young people and get students interested in a career in science.
To do this, we must ensure secondary school science teachers are better paid so we can attract more, high-quality people into the profession".
Furlong concluded by urging all MPs to lend their support to the EDM and recognise the critically important role played by the chemical and process industries in the UK: "Chemical engineers understand the processes and technologies that will increase energy efficiency, address climate change and deliver sustainable development in the coming years".
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