Figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have highlighted a considerable upturn in output for the UK's engine builders in recent months and have forecast this growth will continue to be seen over the next two years.

More than £1 billion has been invested in engine production by manufacturers in the UK since 2011 and forecasts from the SMMT suggest the total value of the industry is now expected to rise by as much as 31 per cent over the next 24 months.

With a current value of £8 billion, this figure is expected to breach the £10.5 billion mark by 2016, with a range of cutting-edge development programmes serving to ensure the nation is now at the forefront of engine design.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes commented: "Recent events, such as the opening of Jaguar Land Rover's new engine facility and Ford's new engine range are clear evidence of the UK automotive industry's intention to become a leading force in the design, development and manufacture of engines.
 
"The recent success is testament to the expertise of UK engineers, a flexible workforce and the competitive and supportive business environment. It will create more jobs, bolster the supply chain and help attract overseas suppliers back to UK shores."

He added that the UK automotive industry in general is now going from strength to strength, with UK car manufacturing expected to surpass its current annual record for vehicle production in 2014.

Overall, the UK produced more than 2.5 million engine units in 2013, with 60 per cent of these items exported overseas. Meanwhile, the automotive sector in general was shown to have contributed in excess of £64 billion to the national economy – making the industry one of the biggest players in swelling the national coffers.

In total, more than 770,000 people are employed either directly or within the automotive supply chain within the UK and this number is set to increase in the years ahead, especially given the recent announcement that the government will be investing not only in traditional vehicles, but also in helping the UK to come to the forefront of development for both hydrogen and full-electric models.

At present, more than 30 vehicle manufacturers operate in the UK and between them they are spending in excess of £1.9 billion on research and development.

The future therefore looks extremely rosy for the UK automotive industry. However, with increased levels of investment and output comes the need for more skilled professionals to fill positions within the sector and this is where an issue could be seen in the years ahead.

A growing skills gap is being witnessed in the UK, with a lack of young people entering STEM careers. It is therefore imperative steps are taken both by businesses and the government to address these concerns, with more apprenticeship positions and improved career development planning offered to the next generation of Britons just starting out in the world of work.