During a House of Commons meeting between Mr Brine and Prospect representative, Winchester's James Leppard, Steve outlined his belief that investment in skills for the long-term will help to alleviate our energy needs, create quality jobs and boost the UK economy.
Mr Leppard visited Westminster on Monday 21st July to discuss the positive role that trade unions have to play in drawing up sensible policies that can benefit all political parties.
Speaking after the meeting, James said: "Prospect members are engineers, scientists, managers and specialists in areas as diverse as agriculture, defence, energy, environment, heritage, shipbuilding, telecoms and transport.
"Although many are employed in the public sector, we now have a majority of members in the private sector. We have unparalleled expertise on many of the issues facing both constituents and members."
Steve Brine said: "I was very pleased to be able to meet with James, who is both a constituent and a Prospect representative. The session was extremely useful for me, and very informative. We found an awful lot of agreement over our discussion and I am very happy to add my support and, more importantly, push the agenda and ask the questions of Ministers across Government."
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers are integral to the UK's success, but despite this, employers are finding it difficult to recruit STEM skilled staff – particularly women.
Alongside the need for a skilled STEM workforce, all young people, regardless of their future career, need STEM knowledge and skills so they can become informed citizens in an increasingly scientific and technological society. This is why Steve Brine and Prospect believe it is time for us to focus on creating lifelong skilled jobs through modern apprenticeships and graduate traineeships.
Mr Leppard also highlighted the need for a balanced portfolio of energy generation to ensure energy stability and a reduction in CO2 emissions. However, we need investment in infrastructure and skills to ensure that the UK can deliver the right energy mix. Without this, there is also a danger of energy supply shortages in the UK. Nobody – government, energy companies, industry, workers or the public – wants to see that happen.
He added: "Prospect people have fascinating jobs that are vital for the future prosperity and stability of the UK. For instance scientists and engineers – including Prospect members at Culham in Oxfordshire – are developing the technology to use in tomorrow's power stations.
"We have also featured impressive case studies of women members in STEM in the
Prospect Pioneers calendar, which was the recipient of a TUC communications award. We wish to engage with government to ensure this good work can continue."
Pictured; Steve Brine and James Leppard meet at the House of Commons
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