Record Numbers to Study Chemical Engineering in UK

Despite my previous post flagging job losses in the US Chemical sector, it is interesting to report that applications to UK Chemical Engineering courses have reached an all time high. Figures show that 10,068 applications have been made this year; a year-on-year increase of 18%. Numbers have doubled since 2001. I'm interested to know the trend in other countries. Comments from a US based colleague suggest that this in not the case there. Certainly the UK Institution of Chemical Engineers has played its part with a very effective campaign called Whynotchemeng. Undoubtedly Chemical Engineering is a degree that provides a very good platform for a wide range of careers both within and outside the chemical industry. Whatever the reason for the surge, this has to be good news for an industry which has voiced major concerns over the availability of skills for the future.