Trusted engineers, pandemic pressure and growth areas: 5 most-read careers stories 2022

In many ways, there has never been a better time to be an engineer. Humanity faces a host of global challenges, and engineers are often the ones providing the solution, with countless options for exciting and rewarding work. Careers in the industry are not without challenges, however, as shown by this year’s survey on mental health and wellbeing.

Here are the five most-read Professional Engineering careers stories of 2022. Click on the links throughout to read the full stories. 

Engineers ‘the second most trusted profession in the UK’

We all like to hear good news about our profession, so perhaps it is no surprise that this year’s top story covered a poll that found engineers are the second most trusted profession in the UK. Run by Ipsos, the Veracity Index has asked members of the public how much they trust different professions 25-times since launching in 1983. Engineering rose by three percentage points in 2022, with 87% of respondents saying they would ‘generally trust’ engineers to tell the truth – second only to nurses (89%) and just above doctors (85%).

The ‘Hippocratic Oath for engineers’

An engineering equivalent to the Hippocratic Oath could be developed as part of a new plan to maintain and strengthen the profession’s ethical culture and practice, we reported in February. The move was recommended in a report by the Engineering Ethics Reference Group, which aimed to ensure that ethical considerations become embedded in engineering in the same way as health and safety.

Pandemic pushes already stressed engineers to breaking point

In this shocking July feature, which recently won the Content Piece of the Year award at the PPA Independent Publisher Awards, engineers opened up about their experiences with work-related stress and mental health issues. The piece, which followed an earlier survey in 2020, found that the Covid-19 pandemic had pushed stressed engineers to breaking point – but, amongst the darkness, there were some small glimmers of hope.

Growth areas in engineering

In Issue 5, 2022, of Professional Engineering magazine, reader Andy G asked: “What are the ‘growth’ areas in engineering? I work in the steel fabrication industry, and it seems to be in decline with skills shortages and a lack of desire for young people to join the sector. Which sectors are attracting the young talent at the moment?”

Here is what readers had to say.

Working at bike conversion kit company Swytch

Formed in London following a $500,000 crowdfunding campaign, Swytch develops and sells conversion kits that turn conventional bicycles into electric bikes. The start-up claims it can convert 99% of bikes by providing a replacement wheel, powerpack and pedal sensor. We spoke to head of manufacturing and logistics Charlie Newton about sustainability, skills, and company bike rides to test hardware and welcome new team members.