ENGINEERING firms could generate an additional £27 billion a year for the UK economy, enough to build 1,800 schools, if they get the right support to create job, experts have claimed.

The engineering UK trade body said the industry faces a current annual shortfall of 55,000 skilled workers. It reckons the number of engineering apprentices and graduates entering the industry will need to double to meet projected employer demand. Chief executive Paul Jackson said: 'For every new engineering role an additional two jobs are created in the economy. The engineering community is increasingly involved in a collective drive to inspire the next generation, who will ensure the continued growth and success of the industry in the UK. This collaborative work must continue if we are to come even close to realising engineering's potential.'