EngineeringUK estimates that the UK will require 87,000 new engineers a year over the next ten years. However, with skills shortages threatening to derail the UK's engineering industry, it is clear that immediate action needs to be taken if this quota is to be met. In this article, Vincent English, managing director of Vernier Europe, offers his ideas on how schools can help to rebrand engineering as a desirable career choice for students and discusses the need to equip students with the practical skills needed to thrive in the workplace.