Siemens provides an excellent example of ethical approach fused with commercial interest. Their need of having skilled workforce means that they are compelled to invest and promote professions which are crucial for sensibility of its operations.

Siemens is facing labor shortages in the UK where a big branch of the company is located. Due to the necessity of creating renewable human resources, the company launched an online campaign on YouTube which encourages children to take interest in the fields related to math or engineering. The company responded to a problem which is lack of workforce specialised in technology and manufacturing. It is a common problem plaguing the British manufacturing sector. By initiating this campaign, Siemens is supporting the British government which is struggling to rebalance the economy towards more production oriented sectors.

The potential benefits for the society are enormous. The current British culture pushes young people to become bankers or insurance agents, not engineers. It will take time to change this attitude, which has taken its toll on the UK’s economy. The trade deficit amounts 3,5% of GDP exactly due to lack of domestic manufacturing, which is directly related to the inability of local businesspeople to hire skilled workers. The deficit leads to a soaring public debt, and debt to overall impoverishing of the population.

Siemens’s involvement in educating new generation of engineers is among others exemplified by its support for “Greenpower Education Trust.” Greenpower is a non-profit organization, aiming to acquaint children to the world of science by organising events which comprise of building electric cars. Then these cars are used for racing at Greenpower events. These events are cofounded by Siemens. It is another display of this corporation’s commitment to assure that an economy in which it operates and invests is well balanced. These activates are therefore very much aligned with the needs of Britain. They are not coordinated by the British government but they coincide with it goal of boosting investment and productivity.

Therefore it is arguable to say that with these undertakings Siemens is trying to secure its future in Britain, but at the same time they are helping the entire society by contributing to tackle one of the most important issues in the contemporary UK.  One might say that Siemens is entirely self-interested in its policy of promoting changes in perceiving such technical occupations. From certain point of view, Siemens is just securing its future supply of workers. But in the bigger picture, it effects at the same time, the economy as a whole.

Not every young person will be attracted to work for Siemens. But certainly if their plans work out they will gain the advantage of expanding their workforce. But increased interest of the public and youth might be the beginning of rebuilding the British industry by adopting the German ideas like the system of vocational education and close cooperation between educational institutions, NGOs and private sector. This is definitely beneficial for the entire country and beyond.

• - https://www.greenpower.co.uk
• - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw7lLwXw4H51zKplcw1sgdXbaKRzcE5Gu
• - http://www.siemens.co.uk/curiosity/en/
• - https://www.siemens.com/global/en/home/company/jobs/life-at-siemens/robots-stealing-your-job.html