The engineering sector, a cornerstone of innovation and development, navigates a complex maze of challenges.
As the demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to soar, the UK is staring at a potential shortfall of a staggering 1 million engineers by 2030, according to strategy firm Stonehaven.
Engineering, a profession that has historically been the backbone of numerous groundbreaking advancements, continues to command immense respect and admiration. Recent polls indicate that engineering consistently emerged at the top when individuals were asked to rank professions they held in high regard.
This admiration, however, contrasts sharply with the actual engagement in the sector. Since 2020, the UK has announced 184 major engineering projects cumulatively valued at £542bn, promising to create 1.2 million jobs. Yet, the enthusiasm for these projects does not seem to translate into a growing workforce.
Perceptions Among the Younger Generation
While the engineering sector enjoys a favourable reputation, it struggles to attract the next generation of Engineers.
Despite acknowledging the prestige associated with engineering, Gen Z and millennials often distance themselves from pursuing it as a career. A significant 30% of Gen Z respondents expressed reluctance in choosing engineering, with perceptions of the field being too male-dominated and heavily reliant on maths and science as deterrents. Similarly, millennials echoed these sentiments, with 28% unaware of job opportunities in the sector.
The future landscape of the engineering sector is riddled with challenges. With one-fifth of the current engineering workforce approaching retirement in the next five years, the industry is racing against time. The annual struggle to fill 59,000 engineering roles further exacerbates the situation. If this trend persists, the UK could witness a shortfall of 1 million engineers by 2030, jeopardizing pivotal infrastructure projects like HS2 and the construction of new hospitals.
The Power of Engineering to Transform Communities
Engineering is not just about numbers, structures, or machines; it’s about shaping our world. Beyond the technicalities, engineering can profoundly boost local community prosperity.
A significant 40% of Gen Z and Millennials actively seek job opportunities that allow them to make a tangible difference in their local areas. This presents a golden opportunity for the engineering sector. By showcasing the profession’s potential to transform communities, the industry can attract young talent and bridge the existing admiration and relatability gap.
The narrative needs to shift from mere technical roles to roles that directly impact society.
The engineering sector stands at a crossroads. On the one hand, it enjoys unparalleled admiration and respect; on the other, it faces a potential crisis of a massive talent shortfall. Addressing this requires more than just traditional recruitment strategies.
The sector must tackle the existing “branding problem” head-on, dispelling myths and reshaping perceptions. By highlighting the diversity of its workforce, the myriad opportunities it offers, and its potential to bring about community transformation, the engineering sector can address the impending shortfall and ensure a vibrant and diverse future.
TLDRv
- The UK’s engineering sector faces a potential shortfall of 1 million engineers by 2030.
- Despite high admiration for the profession, younger generations show reluctance to pursue engineering careers.
- Perceptions of the field being male-dominated and math-heavy deter many.
- The impending retirement of a significant portion of engineers exacerbates the shortfall.
- Engineering can transform communities, a narrative that can attract young talent.
