With engineering skills appearing to be in decline industry needs to recruit talented young employees from diverse backgrounds. In this Q&A Naomi Climer, Immediate Past President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) discusses how we need to continue a nationwide conversation in order to change public perception of careers in engineering.
Q: Does engineering in the UK have an image problem?
My career has enabled me to spend a few years in California where engineers are treated like rock stars. When comparing this to the reality of how engineers are talked about in this country, it makes me wonder why the image of the industry is so drastically different here.
IET research used to mark our Engineer a Better World campaign proves that there is an outdated view of the industry, often held by parents. These perceptions are clearly not up to date with the modern landscape of engineering, and are also, albeit sometimes unconsciously, being passed down to children.
Across The Channel, the French say ‘ingénieur’ which sounds like ‘ingenious’, now contrast that with Blighty’s ‘engineer’ which sounds like ‘engine’. The word in English has the potential to give the stereotypical perception that engineers are down in the boiler room – fixing stuff. Which, for most, I imagine, doesn’t accurately inspire the artistry, creativity and innovation that France’s ‘ingénieur’ has the power to conjure up.
Q: How can we change this perception?
The media is a powerful tool which has the potential to influence how we think and what society values. The IET is one of the organisations playing a huge role in educating influencers and parents through the media to help change impressions about engineering. I’m honoured to be leading the IET’s Engineer a Better World campaign which aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians by encouraging young people and their parents to nurture their curiosity and think differently about careers in engineering.
Additionally, one of the activities is the Engineering Open House Day which is running again on Friday 28 July this year and is the perfect way for engineers to communicate and celebrate their roles, face-to-face with the UK’s parents and children.
Q: Are there positive role models in the media for young people in general and girls in particular to follow?
I’d like to think I am a positive role model for engineering. I’m the IET’s first female president and have made it my personal mission to shout about the diversity in the sector and challenge perceptions in the mainstream media. There are a growing number of other role models in the media, including some of the IET’s Young Woman Engineer Award winners and finalists such as Roma Agrawal who has an increasing presence in the media. Unfortunately though, there’s still not enough.
In a broader context, gender equality and celebrating professional women has become more of a media norm. With this in mind, the time is now to inspire and empower women about the rewarding career options in engineering. And, we most definitely need to make sure the momentum remains and that national conversations continue to ensure people know about the fantastic accomplishments that our engineers – both men and women – achieve.
Q: What is putting off girls and young women from entering the engineering professions?
I’m aware the industry is, according to stats, painted as a male dominant arena, but women should not be put off by this – although I can empathise why they would on a surface level. In my experience, being a woman within the industry has not been an issue – and has often been an advantage, helping me to stand out and make an impression. It’s proven that organisations with a diverse workforce in the form of different backgrounds, upbringing and sexes are more likely to come up with ideas and innovation that will be relevant to a broader range of society.
Q: Do we need to attract individuals who would otherwise go into the more ‘creative’ industries?
Careers in any STEM subjects are competing with what people may associate as more creative career paths such as sports, drama or music. For example, as a young girl I desperately wanted to be a cellist when I grew up. Fortunately, my father steered me into a STEM career where I found my passion for engineering. However, my passion for the arts has still been allowed to progress in my engineering career by seamlessly blending the two with each other through Sony projects such as broadcasting live theatre, music and sports to audiences in the cinema.
Q: Is part of the problem that the word ‘engineering’ has become too narrow to describe everything that can be achieved using today’s technologies?
The industry is forever expanding and engineering is much more interdisciplinary than before – similar to other industries such as healthcare, education and marketing. All sectors of the industry play a part in what makes the core of engineering so important, and I would not say it’s too narrow a term, people just need to be know more about the exciting world of engineering.
Q: Could schools do more to broaden the appeal of engineering?
Teachers often come under scrutiny by perhaps not giving pupils enough problem solving work or not having enough knowledge about engineering themselves. However, it’s unfair to expect teachers to have the broad knowledge that is needed to fully capture the excitement of the industry. The curriculum should be revisited to allow room for engineering related activities to be weaved into other core subjects such as maths and science. Mandatory work experience for pupils would also help to introduce students to the exciting world of engineering.
Q: How is the profession changing?
One of the most exciting things about a career in engineering is that it is always evolving – especially with technological advancements. I also think, however, that the contribution of some really inspiring women is getting more attention which I hope will act as an encouragement for young girls across the UK.
Putting gender discourse aside for a moment, everyone should see engineering as stimulating. It’s literally all around us and affects our cultural worlds in a huge way. Take a look at the mobile phone which you may be reading this on or is sat next to you on your desk – it’s extraordinary, complex and a feat of engineering that most of us rely on continuously. Technology has become a totally integrated part of our lives and will only become more so in the future. And, as our lives continue to evolve alongside technology, we cannot allow for this life affecting technology to be designed and built without the input of half the population, and for so many talented people to miss out on the opportunity to be a key part in developing and innovating within the UK.
To find out more on Naomi’s thoughts visit http://www.rajapack.co.uk/engineering/naomi-climer
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) www.theiet.org
