S4E03 :Future-ready infrastructure: Addressing the STEM skills crisis

Welcome to Season 4 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. In this series, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the future of infrastructure – from accelerating the energy transition to ensuring our sector is ready for what comes next.

Episode 3: Future-ready infrastructure – Addressing the STEM skills crisis

In this episode, our host Toby Sadler is joined by expert guests from AECOM, Energy & Utility Skills and SSE to explore the pressing shortage of STEM skills across the infrastructure industry.

From nuclear and renewables to water and transport, the sector faces a growing demand for talent – yet is struggling to fill roles across all levels. As a third of the UK workforce sits in STEM roles, the risk of a shortfall could cost the UK economy up to £120 billion by 2030.

Together, our guests unpack the root causes of the issue, the gaps in education and workforce training, and share how they’re tackling the problem – from building early-stage pipelines and reskilling experienced professionals to cross-sector collaboration and digital upskilling.

📌 Key questions include:

What’s causing the shortage of STEM skills across infrastructure?

What are the specific impacts on energy, nuclear and utility projects?

How can we encourage underrepresented groups back into the sector?

What role do education, mentorship and policy play in solving the crisis?

What does a future-ready workforce really look like?

Expert Speakers: