A third of young people would consider a career in engineering

Although many remaining confused about the exact nature of the profession

A study of young people aged 12 to 25 suggests almost one third (32%) see engineering as a potential career, despite confusion about what a career in engineering actually entails.

The research by social enterprise MyKindaCrowd found that while the young people questioned would consider a career in engineering, many still held over simplified or incorrect associations about the industry. Over a third of respondents (34%) associated engineering with physical labour, and 87% saw the car industry as the main reference point for the industry.

Speaking at the event, Andrew Jones MP, apprenticeship ambassador in Parliament, said:

“Engineering is a key skill for our future prosperity. That is why it is important that young people have all the facts at their fingertips so that they can make an informed decision about a career in engineering.”

The survey found that business has an important role to play with two thirds of young people saying they would benefit from hands on experience by being taught engineering in the workplace as well as the classroom.

A separate survey carried out by MyKindaCrowd among teachers found that more than half believe their students would be interested in a career in engineering. A total of 93% of teachers also want a closer involvement of business to help them build practical skills and knowledge for their students. 

William Akerman, managing director of MyKindaCrowd, said: “It is clear the industry needs to work hard to encourage these young engineers of the future to address the current skills shortage.

“Greater collaboration between business and education is vital to the success of engineering being taught in secondary education, and by forging links with schools and teachers, UK businesses can take proactive steps to create the future workforce that they need.”