Outdated views of engineering are limiting young Australians' career choices: research

Engineers Australia says that stereotypes and a widespread lack of understanding are pushing some young Australians away from engineering, with new research showing engineering ranks fourth among career interests of students, behind medicine, health sciences, and business and economics.

Bernadette Foley, Engineers Australia Group Executive, Professional Standards and Engineering Practice, said that perception is a big part of the problem.

“Additional research from Year13 shows many young people still don’t understand what engineering is or the wide range of opportunities it offers. Outdated stereotypes and a lack of visibility of the real-world impact of engineers is turning potential talent away before they’ve had a chance to even consider the profession,” she said.

In response, Engineers Australia has created the Inspiring Future Engineers program, a national initiative to inspire and attract the next generation of engineers. To launch the program, Engineers Australia has teamed up with Year13 on the Engineered for Impact Academy and Engineering Hub, which uses social media, career tools and engaging online content to raise awareness about engineering and its positive impacts on society among school students.

“Engineering is often stereotyped as hard hats and boots, yet the reality is it’s one of the most diverse, future-focused careers available,” Foley said. “From tech and health care to climate and space, engineering shapes every part of modern life. It’s a career for anyone who loves creativity, solving problems and making a real impact, and the Year13 collaboration highlights that.”

The program comes as Australia faces a growing shortfall of engineers, with an estimated 60,000 more needed by 2035. Yet domestic student commencements in engineering have flatlined since 2014, and fewer young people are taking the advanced maths subjects needed to enter the profession. As a result, the nation remains heavily reliant on skilled migration to meet demand — a strategy that’s not sustainable in the long term.

The Inspiring Future Engineers program will include discussion papers, submissions and advocacy led by Engineers Australia, all focused on raising awareness of the profession and the many pathways into it.

“There’s no single path into engineering, and many different roles within an engineering team. Some people go directly to university; others pursue apprenticeships or vocational training. What matters is making sure more young people can see themselves in roles within the engineering profession,” Foley said. “Because if we don’t, we’ll struggle to keep up in the areas where engineers are needed most.”

Engineers Australia has released a campaign video that can be viewed here.

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