Learning Curve: Outreach offers answer to engineering's diversity problem

Education is the answer to so many problems facing engineering, from the skills gap to the diversity crisis. New ways of learning could secure a brighter future – but, as this series of five articles shows, the transition won’t be easy.

Humanity has never faced such an uncertain future. Climate change, future pandemics and the spectre of world war threaten the stability of society and the natural systems that we depend upon. 

This uncertainty can make it difficult for engineers to develop solutions – but we know one thing is key. For solutions to help as many people as possible, project teams must be as diverse as society itself, each member bringing their own experience and perspectives to the table. 

Diversity also makes business sense – according to a 2019 analysis by management consulting firm McKinsey, companies in the top quartile of gender diversity in their executive teams are 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability than peers in the fourth quartile. Companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity outperformed those in the fourth by 36%. 

Many companies take diversity and inclusion seriously, and universities such as Canterbury Christ Church aim to make the talent pipeline more diverse. But, by the time pupils reach university age, some issues have already been entrenched. According to the EngineeringUK Engineering Brand Monitor, only 48% of girls say they know what engineers do, compared to 61% of boys. Two-thirds of girls thought that girls face more barriers to getting ahead in the industry. 

Excitement on offer

Clearly, the exciting opportunities offered by engineering need to be explained as early as possible. That is where outreach comes in, including IMechE programmes such as those provided by STEM ambassadors, online activities and the two-week Springpod programme of virtual work experience, which all communicate the importance of engineering to pupils of different ages. Student and apprentice challenges such as Formula Student continue to engage budding engineers during their degrees.

The Education and Skills Strategy Board (ESSB) supports Primary Engineer, which aims to make engineering appealing for children of all ages through school events and challenges. Founded by Dr Susan Scurlock MBE with the belief that “all children should have the opportunity to engage with engineering as a right,” the initiative’s Leaders Award interacts with thousands of pupils around the UK, and with parents, universities and industry. 

“Outreach is key to inspiring and encouraging more young people to consider careers in engineering,” says Jelena Gacesa, education outreach and safeguarding lead at the IMechE. 

“Even if we don’t manage to convince every young person that engineering is the profession for them, they’ll have a better understanding of what engineers do, and that’s really important.” 

Collaboration with organisations such as Primary Engineer allows the IMechE to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds, or to target support to disadvantaged schools around the country. 

“The engineering profession isn't representative of wider society,” says Gacesa. “To not only increase diversity, but also sustainably grow participation and entry into the profession, we will need to recruit from a wider pool of people.” 

Spreading the message

Finding and supporting new role models is key. The IMechE has 7,500 STEM ambassadors – nearly a third of the UK’s total number – and it provides online training webinars, STEM activity libraries and other resources to encourage engineers of all levels to share their skills. 

Employers also have a significant role to play, and Gacesa suggests that outreach could become a mandatory part of the profession. “Engineering companies have a responsibility to devote time to this,” she says. “Volunteering has proven benefits for companies. It develops the skillset of their employees, they have relationships with local communities, and with schools and colleges, and they will in turn build their own talent pipeline.” 

Engineers know the value of what they do, but more need to be given the opportunity to communicate that to others. If the government is serious about ‘levelling up’ it should introduce policies that empower more people ambassadors, providing diverse role models and fostering a more dynamic industry.

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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.