Andy Smith, Vice Principal - Advanced Manufacturing TEC

When I think about what engineering will look like in 2076, I think about how much the industry will have changed and the opportunities this will create for future generations. Technology is evolving rapidly, and the engineers of tomorrow will face challenges that we may not even be able to imagine today. However, while the technologies and skills required will continue to develop, the importance of curiosity, creativity and a willingness to learn will remain at the heart of engineering.

Preparing the engineers of 2076 starts with the education and experiences we provide today. We need to equip learners with the technical knowledge they need to succeed, while also encouraging them to think differently, embrace change and recognise that learning doesn't stop when they leave the classroom.

Encouraging the next generation into engineering

One of our biggest priorities should be encouraging more young people to consider a career in engineering. I believe we need to showcase engineering as a creative, innovative and rewarding industry, with opportunities that extend far beyond what people might initially expect.

There are so many different career paths available, including engineering, operations, procurement, HR and marketing. Where someone starts their career and where they eventually end up can be very different, and that flexibility is something we should celebrate.

Giving young people opportunities to get hands-on with engineering is particularly important. Working on practical projects, seeing products being manufactured and understanding how engineering works in the real world can be incredibly inspiring. It helps learners connect what they study with the possibilities available to them and gives them a clearer understanding of the industry.

The challenges facing the engineers of 2076

Looking ahead over the next 50 years, I expect engineers to play a vital role in addressing some of the world's most complex challenges. Sustainability, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, automation, artificial intelligence and resource management will all influence how the industry develops.

There will also be difficult balances to strike. We need to consider how we develop cleaner technologies and more sustainable manufacturing processes while meeting global demands, including the need to travel and transport goods around the world. Engineers will need to think critically about these challenges, question existing approaches and develop solutions that consider both innovation and environmental responsibility.

Technology will undoubtedly have a significant impact. Artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, additive manufacturing, computing, advanced composites, renewable energy systems, autonomous technologies and smart materials are all likely to transform the way engineering is carried out. These developments could improve productivity, support sustainability and create entirely new industries and career opportunities.

However, the ability to use new technologies will only be part of the picture. Future engineers will also need to understand how these technologies work together, recognise their limitations and make informed decisions about how they are applied.

Why creativity, problem-solving and adaptability matter

As we enter this new phase of technological development, skills such as creativity, problem-solving and adaptability will become increasingly important. Engineers will need to work with unfamiliar tools, tackle complex challenges and adapt as industries and technologies evolve.

I believe one of the most important things we can teach learners is to maintain an open mindset. Things change, and we need to be prepared to adapt, rethink and approach problems from different perspectives. We cannot assume that the methods we use today will always be the right ones tomorrow.

I often think about it as climbing a hill and then finding a bigger one to climb. There will always be something new to learn, another challenge to overcome or a better way of doing something. That is what makes engineering such an exciting industry, and it is a mindset we need to encourage from the very beginning of a learner's journey.

Alongside creativity and adaptability, future engineers will need stronger skills in data analysis, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cybersecurity and sustainability. Human-to-machine collaboration will also become increasingly important as engineers work alongside more advanced automated systems. Commercial awareness will remain essential, too, helping engineers understand the wider business implications of their decisions. This is an area that is important today and will continue to feature in engineering education.

Preparing learners for careers that don’t exist yet

One of the challenges for education providers is preparing learners for jobs that may not yet exist. We cannot predict every technology or role that will emerge over the next 50 years, so our focus cannot be solely on teaching the systems and processes used in industry today.

Instead, we need to build strong foundations that learners can take with them throughout their careers. Critical thinking, practical problem-solving, digital skills, teamwork and adaptability will all help people respond to unfamiliar situations and learn new technologies as they emerge.

Sustainability awareness and the ability to work across different disciplines will also be essential. Engineering challenges rarely exist in isolation, and future engineers will need to understand how their work connects with wider industries, businesses and society.

Ultimately, we need to develop people who are confident in what they know but equally willing to recognise what they don't know. Staying curious, asking questions and being prepared to learn from mistakes are all important parts of that process. The importance of apprenticeships and industry partnerships

I believe apprenticeships are one of the best ways to learn engineering because they bring together the academic knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in the workplace.

At AMTEC, our Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College, we have classrooms alongside machinery, engines and other industry equipment. This means we can teach the academic principles behind a process and then demonstrate how that learning applies in practice. Learners can see the theory come to life, helping them understand how their knowledge translates into real engineering situations. This approach also supports different learning styles and allows learners to develop confidence through practical experience.

However, effective training goes beyond the equipment and facilities available. The strongest programmes are built through genuine partnerships between colleges and employers.

Employers need to be involved in shaping curriculum content, providing industry projects and sharing their knowledge of emerging technologies and changing skills requirements. Colleges, in turn, need to ensure learners develop the technical knowledge, practical abilities and professional behaviours required to succeed.

Regular collaboration allows training to keep pace with industry and ensures learners are developing relevant skills for the workplace they are entering. It also helps education providers understand where new technologies, processes and commercial priorities may influence future training needs.

By bringing education and industry closer together, we can create learning experiences that prepare people not just for their first job, but for the changes they will encounter throughout their careers.

What will the engineer of 2076 look like?

I imagine the engineer of 2076 as a highly skilled problem-solver who works alongside advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence systems. Their role could involve designing sustainable solutions, managing complex automated systems and helping society respond to global challenges that are difficult to predict today.

They will need to combine technical expertise with commercial understanding, creativity and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and cultures. They will also need to recognise when technology can provide a solution and when human judgement, experience and innovation are required.

Although the tools and technologies available to engineers will change dramatically, I believe the fundamental purpose of engineering will remain the same: improving lives through innovation.

My advice to the engineers of tomorrow

If I could give one piece of advice to someone starting their engineering education today, it would be to stay curious, never stop learning and take every opportunity to gain experience.

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You will make mistakes, but those mistakes are part of your learning journey. Keep an open mind, be prepared to adapt and remember how much you enjoy the industry and why you chose it in the first place.

We have an important role to play in developing the engineers of 2076, and that responsibility starts now. Through practical, industry-focused education, strong employer partnerships and a commitment to lifelong learning, we can help prepare the next generation for a future that will look very different from the world we know today.

Last week, 24 of our learners across the college travelled to London ExCeL convention centre for Comic Con with our Student Engagement team, giving students the opportunity to meet exhibitors, artists, and professionals from all over to engage with.

The trip to Comic Con provided students with the opportunity to explore the creative industries and immerse themselves in a world of comics, gaming, film, television and popular culture. Learners were able to browse hundreds of exhibitor stalls showcasing everything from comics, manga and collectibles to clothing, artwork and exclusive merchandise. They also had the opportunity to meet independent artists, comic creators and illustrators, discover their work and learn more about the creative processes behind it. Alongside this, students could get involved in a range of interactive activities, including console and retro gaming, board games, Dungeons & Dragons and hands-on demonstrations from major gaming publishers.

The event also offered valuable opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals and like-minded individuals, with live panels, Q&A sessions, screenings and discussions providing insight into different areas of the entertainment industry. Learners could meet celebrity guests from film, television, gaming, anime and voice acting, with opportunities to collect autographs and photographs, as well as experience the creativity and craftsmanship of the cosplay competitions. Most importantly, the trip allowed students to connect with people from around the world who share similar interests, broaden their knowledge of the industries they are passionate about and gain inspiration for their own creative interests and future ambitions.

The trip was open to all learners, bringing together students from a variety of subject areas and providing them with the opportunity to meet others who shared similar interests. It was a fantastic opportunity for learners to step outside their usual course groups, build new friendships, develop their confidence and create lasting memories together.

Following the trip, the students provided feedback saying, "It was genuinely the best trip I’ve ever been on", "Made my year" and that it was "nice to meet some really kind people and cool cosplays!!". This feedback shows the impact that trips like this can have on student experience and creates lasting memories that goes beyond the classroom.

In order to maintain the positive engagement across the college, the Student Engagement team have also organised several other trips for students to take part in throughout the year, including:

For more information on these trips, email student.union@weston.ac.uk

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

Last week, our Year 2 Level 3 Performing Arts students gained valuable industry experience at Puxton Park, where they took part in a Halloween-themed work experience opportunity. Dressing up as spooky characters, students interacted with members of the public, handed out sweets to Trick or Treaters and brought their characters to life through creative performances.

Students transformed into a variety of spooky personalities, including clowns, witches, vampires, dolls, pirates, mermaids, and Vikings. Positioned behind Trick or Treat doors across the park, they waited for visitors to knock before stepping into character, engaging with families and handing out bags of sweets. Some also volunteered to work Puxton Park’s Moonlit Pumpkin Patch where they remained in costume and walked around the patch greeting guests. This provided learners with the opportunity to put their performance skills into practice in a real-world setting, entertaining visitors of all ages and helping to create a fun and memorable Halloween experience for families.

The experience was led by Level 3 student Lola, who took on the responsibility of being the main point of contact throughout the week, managing any issues that arose and supporting her peers. This provided Lola with a fantastic opportunity to develop her leadership and problem-solving skills, while giving all students a greater sense of responsibility and ownership by working independently within an established workplace. Students also demonstrated excellent professionalism and respect throughout the experience, receiving very positive feedback from both visitors and Puxton Park staff. Working in shifts, they ensured everyone had the opportunity to experience different areas of the park while allowing time for regular breaks.

The project also provided an exciting opportunity for cross-college collaboration, with our Level 3 Theatrical, Special Effects, Prosthetics and Make-up Extended Diploma students joining the experience to create the Performing Arts students' character make-up. Each Make-up student was given a brief outlining their counterpart's costume and was responsible for bringing the character to life through their make-up application. As part of their work experience hours, this allowed them to apply the techniques and knowledge developed in the classroom to a practical, industry-inspired setting, while working collaboratively with learners from another curriculum area.

Opportunities like this provide our students with valuable hands-on experience, allowing them to develop their confidence, enhance their skills and gain practical experience in a supportive environment. The support of local businesses and employers, such as Puxton Park, is a fantastic example of community collaboration, helping to nurture future talent while providing our students with valuable opportunities for professional growth.

Abbie Hannaby, Careers and Employability Co-ordinator at Weston College, said: “Work Experience is a fantastic opportunity that provides our students with valuable hands-on experience, allowing them to develop their confidence, enhance their skills and gain practical experience in a supportive environment, helping to prepare them for their future careers. The support of local businesses and employers, such as Puxton Park, is a fantastic example of community collaboration, helping to nurture future talent while providing our students with valuable opportunities for professional growth.”

A huge well done to our students for working incredibly hard throughout the week and presenting themselves professionally.

This work experience opportunity forms part of the Performing Arts Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

Progress to the next level in Musical Theatre or Make-up, Wigs and Special Effects! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.