Problems of the profession are unisex

Engineering institutions have utterly failed over the 50 years of my membership to educate the media

Of course we need bright women to discover the joys of engineering but the problems of the profession are unisex.

The engineering institutions have utterly failed over the 50 years of my membership to educate the media and the public as to the difference between a professional i.e. a Chartered Engineer, and a mechanic, maintenance man, a craftsman to mention just a few.

I listened in despair to an Engineering Institution spokesman on the Today Programme (I will spare any embarrassment by not identifying the organisation) who despite several promptings by the interviewer failed to seize the opportunity to say what an Engineer was or give even one example of what exciting contributions and role he/she might make to any number of exciting projects.

All I learned was that:

1. There was a shortage of engineers and India and China were producing thousands more: how can we hope to compete.

2. Still thought of as being a dirty job (heaven help us) which schools also seemed to think.

3. Pity that girls were not being attracted to engineering – see 2.

No simple analogies e.g. that maths + the laws of physics + innovation were the Engineers tools as were spanners and screwdrivers those of the mechanic.

No examples that engineers design the liners, aircraft, trains, ipads, motor cars or whatever.

What is wrong with us that we cannot develop an interesting script or any kind of ability to promote the profession and that we make such a pathetic showing on prime time radio when at least many parents, teachers, and who knows even pupils might be given a glimpse that engineering can offer an exciting career. How many other opportunities are lost.

J D Rickard, Crewe

Next letter: Revolutions that freed the masses