Academics, in collaboration with NMITE and the Engineering Professors’ Council (EPC), have called for more visibility of engineering in schools
The new initiative will aim to increase the visibility of engineering in schools to address skills shortages and the pressing need for environmental engineering solutions.
In preparation for the EPC’s Annual Congress hosted by NMITE in Hereford on June 12th, a survey of engineering academics across the nation was completed. The three-day event will bring together engineering academics from various UK universities to discuss education and engineering-related matters.
When asked about strategies to enhance the status of engineering, 63% of respondents highlighted the importance of increasing the visibility of engineering in schools.
“This emphasises the importance of raising awareness of engineering as a career choice, as many school leavers are either unaware it’s an option, think they must have maths or science qualifications to be considered, or hold the view that it’s a career path just for certain types of people,” commented one respondent.
Addressing the engineering skill shortage through
“The UK has a skills shortage in engineering running into tens of thousands every year. Without plugging that gap, we cannot hope to address the environmental, technological, economic and social challenges we face and that many young people care passionately about. But you cannot be what you cannot see,” said Johnny Rich, Chief Executive of the EPC.
“We need to be clearer in schools about what engineering is – a creative subject that applies science and design to real-world problems and which leads to fulfilling and rewarding careers for all kinds of students,” he added.
In addition to the importance of increasing the visibility of engineering in schools, the research by the EPC indicated that 60% of respondents believed that granting ‘engineer’ the status of a restricted professional title in the UK, as is the case in many other countries, could improve the profession’s prestige.
Better visibility of engineering in schools can lead to improved sustainability
61% of respondents said they have updated their curricula to prioritise sustainability. Another 54% did so to improve student satisfaction. NMITE focuses on giving young professionals expertise in sustainable construction materials and techniques, aiming to grow an environmentally friendly built environment.
Over half of the respondents (54%) favoured project-based learning, while 49% opted for problem-based learning. These choices highlight the importance of practical, hands-on learning approaches.
“We teach our courses in studios, not lecture theatres, and in small teams – not large groups. Most importantly, the programmes involve, at every stage, engagement with employer partners and work on real-life projects,” said James Newby, CEO at NMITE.
The EPC and NMITE research also addressed the gender gap in the engineering workforce, revealing strong opinions on the matter. While some argued that women thrive in the field, others expressed concerns about unconscious bias and the male-dominated industry acting as barriers. Many women in engineering still face challenges due to discouraging workplace attitudes, inflexible schedules, and insufficient support for family commitments.
Renowned physicist Professor Dame Athene Donald will deliver a lecture titled ‘Innovation: new ideas & new people’ as part of the Engineering Academics Network Annual Congress. The lecture, chaired by NMITE Founder Karen Usher DL, will address gender bias in science and advocate for greater diversity to tackle pressing challenges.
