National Engineering Day 2026: Building the skills for tomorrow

Engineering touches almost every aspect of our lives, but the skills and expertise required will evolve with the world around us.

National Engineering Day, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is celebrating the people, ideas and innovations that are shaping our world whilst encouraging more people to consider a future in engineering.

This year, the theme of National Engineering Day, 'Now Hiring: The Engineers of 2076’ is celebrating the Academy’s 50th anniversary and looks to the future to show what life on earth and beyond could look like in 50 years time. Through a creative recruitment campaign, we can imagine what the future could look like and who the engineers will be to help shape it. Whilst reminding us that skills for the future need to be built today.

Preparing for the future of engineering

We will need people with the right skills, knowledge and creativity to help develop new technologies, overcome environmental challenges and help life beyond earth.

At Enginuity we’re helping the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector adapt to evolving skill requirements. As a skills gap charity, we work with employers, educators and policymakers to help businesses understand what skills they need. We do this through research, insight and practical tools.

Through initiatives such as our Policy Centre, Future Skills Hub and career tools for adults and young people, we help turn data into action.

Making a difference today to shape the future

Understanding the challenges the sector faces today will help shape the future of engineering. We collate experiences from employers and the skills community to help inform decision-making.

Through research such as our SME Snapshot Report, we give smaller engineering and manufacturing businesses a voice. We also help to promote technical education and increase awareness of STEM careers.

The engineers of 2076 won’t suddenly appear overnight. They will be today’s students, apprentices and young people, supported by employers and educators to develop the skills they need.

This National Engineering Day, we’re proud to celebrate those making a difference in the sector and helping shape the skills, talent and opportunities needed.

Find out more about what we do at Enginuity