Shaping the Future of Engineering: A Conversation with City & Guilds’ Engineering Product Manager, Scott Wilkins
City & Guilds is calling on Engineering professionals to help shape the future of technical education by becoming Associates. These roles offer the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of qualifications and training, ensuring they remain relevant, high quality and aligned with the evolving needs of industry.
We caught up with Scott Wilkins, Product Manager at City & Guilds, to find out more about his role, the challenges facing the engineering education sector, and how skilled professionals can support the next generation of engineers.
First off, tell us a bit about your role at City & Guilds.
“I’m a Product Manager responsible for the full lifecycle of our qualifications and training products,” explains Scott. “One of my key focus areas is Engineering & Manufacturing. I start by gathering sector insights, which help shape our internal product strategy. From there, I take new products from initial idea and business case through to launch. I also regularly review our existing products to make sure they are still fit for purpose, amending or withdrawing them as needed.”
It is a role that blends strategy, insight and sector knowledge, with a strong emphasis on staying responsive to change.
What does supporting education and training in Engineering look like in practice?
Scott brings personal experience to the table, having worked as an engineer himself and delivered City & Guilds products in both FE colleges and workplace settings with apprentices.
“As an engineer myself, I’ve delivered our products in FE Colleges and in the workplace with apprentices. I sit on all engineering apprenticeship trailblazer groups and work across the sector to gain insights and an understanding of current and future skills needs to ensure our products deliver the skills the industry needs.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
“It’s being able to work with a wide range of people, from employers and training providers to internal teams, while drawing on my own sector experience. That combination gives me unique insight into what the industry truly needs and helps me ensure City & Guilds is delivering products that support that.”
Why is raising awareness of skills development so important?
“Engineering offers incredible career opportunities, especially in such a fast-moving and innovative industry,” says Scott. “But without a solid offer for skills acquisition, the sector cannot grow. That impacts national productivity and innovation.”
It is a sentiment echoed across the sector. Skills are the engine driving progress. Raising awareness helps to both fill gaps and inspire new talent.
How can we overcome the current challenges in the sector?
Scott is optimistic but realistic.
“There is so much talent out there. If those with experience gave it a try, they would see how rewarding it is. Not just in giving something back to the sector, but in helping to shape its future. The sector needs their insight, now more than ever.”
What current trends are shaping engineering education and training?
“Advances in advance manufacturing process, especially around digital skills and AI are heavily influencing our strategy right now along with Green skills. Accessibility is another key area, to ensure that no matter where a person’s starting point is, or what their learning needs are, our products support them to achieve and progress into, or in their careers.”
How can someone with niche skills, like Control & Instrumentation, get involved?
“These are often the hardest roles to recruit for, but they are essential,” says Scott. “Associates with niche expertise play a critical role in ensuring our products truly reflect the needs of their corner of the industry.”
He is keen to emphasise that Associate roles are flexible and designed to fit around other commitments. “These roles are designed to work alongside other work and commitments, and are a great way to get involved, develop your own skills, and support your industry now and the future generation of engineers.”
Final shout out?
“Get in touch. See the real difference you can make in the sector we are all passionate about!”
If you or someone you know has the experience, skills and passion to support engineering education, becoming an Associate with City & Guilds could be your next step.
Want to find out more?
Here is how to get involved:
View current Associate roles
Connect with the Associate Recruitment Team on LinkedIn
Know someone else who might be interested? Please share this article with them too!