An engineer-turned-teacher is calling on industry professionals to help train the next generation of talent.

Louise Shepherdson, from Eastleigh, made the switch to further education (FE) teaching in 2018 after a successful career in electronics installation and maintenance.

She now teaches at Basingstoke College.

Her decision to change careers came from a desire to offer others the same opportunities she had in her field.

As an FE teacher, Louise brings her practical knowledge to the role, helping her students relate theory to real-world scenarios.

She said: "Teaching in FE has given me the opportunity to be a role model for the next generation of industry talent and help them achieve their dreams and aspirations.

"I aim to empower my students to overcome perceived barriers and stereotypes around careers in engineering, offering them support based on my own experiences in the field."

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Louise's call to action comes ahead of World Engineering Day on March 4, a global celebration of how engineers, technicians and technologists make a difference.

According to the Global Engineer Survey, 54 per cent of industry professionals believe that there will be a shortage of engineers in the future.

At the same time, the UK needs 124,000 new engineers and technicians each year to meet the sector demand.

Industry professionals like Louise can help to secure the pipeline of sector talent by sharing their skills through FE.

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Louise added: "Having 30 years of industry experience, I can draw on my experiences in my teaching, which allows me to connect theory to real-world examples.

"For example, in my previous industry role, I developed my mechanical, electrical and software skills.

"Using real life scenarios helps me to better engage my students and prepare them for their future careers.

"I remember what it felt like just starting out in my engineering career, which helps me relate to my students and support them as they enter the industry.

"To other industry professionals considering teaching in FE, I’d say go for it.

"You already have the knowledge and hands-on experience in your field, and there are opportunities to share this with the next generation, either full-time, part-time or an ad hoc basis."

The Department for Education’s Teach in Further Education campaign is calling people with industry experience to train the next generation of workers in their field.

FE teachers are needed across many subject areas but there is particular demand for workers from health and social care, construction, engineering and manufacturing and IT.