LETTER : Alarm bells ringing over technology in schools

Sir: The turmoil within schools over accommodating GCSE technology courses needs addressing as a top priority (report, 14 March). Reports that a shortage of qualified technology teachers and equipment is threatening mandatory courses due to be introduced in September should ring alarm bells throughout the nation.

The Engineering Council, together with other major engineering organisations, campaigned successfully for technology to be a key part of the National Curriculum because the UK's economic success is dependent on a strong engineering base. We have had a sad record of teaching technology in Britain over past decades and it seemed that, at last, we were beginning to get our act together. For the development of future generations of first-class engineers and technicians now to be undermined by this crisis is extremely alarming.

Mike Heath

Director General

Engineering Council

London WC2