Peter Finegold, head of education at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers welcomed the initiative: “It is very timely that Government is taking steps to boost the profile of engineering. We hope that by working with industry and academia, the Year of Engineering will help to show the public the vital role engineering plays in society.

“From developing more efficient transport through to developing medical equipment, engineers around the country are working to improve the world we live in.

“Given the chronic shortage of graduate and apprentice engineers, we especially hope this campaign play a key role in support of the imminent Industrial Strategy white paper.”