Changing Perceptions of Engineering

4 Mar

Changing Perceptions of Engineering

In the UK, there is a constant demand for more scientists and engineers, with more than 50% of Engineering and Technology firms concerned about how a potential future shortage in this sector may threaten the future of their businesses.

It is difficult to pinpoint a single reason for this lack of uptake in these subjects, but the main factors are generally agreed to be a misconception of engineering, and the work engineers do, coupled with the lack of diversity found within the sector.

An article published in October last year claimed “Career ambitions ‘already limited by age of seven’” with a lack of understanding around the range of careers to blame. The influence of TV, film and social media on young people can be profound, and lead to ingrained stereotyping around careers and job prospects before children reach secondary school. Coupled with this, engineering as a subject is rarely taught in schools (at least pre-GCSE), which can often lead to deep-rooted impressions that engineers either work with spanners and greasy cars or install broadband and boiler systems.

Last month, Public Engagement Officer Becky, along with postdoctoral and postgraduate volunteers visited several schools in South Wales and took part in general public outreach and engagement events. The aim has been to increase awareness of the wide variety of opportunities a career in engineering can offer, and how such jobs are essential in addressing very current and topical issues, such as the climate crisis. SUSTAIN’s Grand Challenges and Themes are great examples of the diverse range of knowledge and expertise required for an engineering project to succeed and provides young people with tangible examples of how a career in engineering can lead to significant change.

The feedback from attending these events has been very positive; a range of secondary school pupils are now more aware of the variety of engineering courses available at university level, especially in terms of what Materials Science and Engineering is, and families with young children have been engaged and now have a greater awareness of how exciting and interesting STEM subjects can be.

This year, we are aiming to develop online profiles for all staff involved in SUSTAIN, to provide insight into our academic, industrial and funding partners, but also to highlight to young people the diversity of routes, pathways and destinations which fall within the umbrella term of ‘engineering’.