Scotland is facing an "economic disaster" caused by a damaging skills shortage in the engineering sector, a new study has revealed.
The stark warning comes in a skills gap survey commissioned Scottish Engineering along with other partner industry bodies.
It highlights industry-wide fears about cuts to funding for apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities, along with the lasting impact of Brexit.
The Herald reports the results of the survey, which is based on expected rates of retirement and forecast business growth through expansion, do not include new inward investments.
Scottish Engineering cautions that the current skills shortage has the potential to become an “economic disaster” which “jeopardises the entire economic programme of the Scottish Government” - unless it is addressed.
Incorporating views from around 70 firms in a variety of engineering sectors, in turn representing more than 10,000 workers, the study concluded the existing industry in Scotland requires an additional 58% of new engineers across 31 key positions by the end of 2027 - more than three quarters of which are delivered by apprenticeship schemes.
It also found the skills deficit is particularly severe in respect of electrical technicians, with demand dictating that, for every 100 current jobs, nearly 150 new recruits will be required within the next three years.