A £4 million scheme is to be launched in the South West to tackle skills shortages in the engineering sector.

The three-year project will work with schools, employers and individuals to boost the region's engineering talent.

Called A Journey Through Engineering, the scheme aims to raise awareness of engineering as a career in schools, colleges and universities.

The South West Regional Development Agency has provided £2 million towards the unique public and private sector project.

The project was drawn up following an RDA report which revealed 65 per cent of all job vacancies require a higher level of skill than is currently available.

The remainder of funding comes from participating schools, colleges, universities, companies and the sector's project partnership.

The Engineering Employers Federation Western (EEF Western) will manage the project.

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