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Tomorrow’s Engineers Week – Engineers on a mission
Young people demand a career that will help others according to new research commissioned to launch Tomorrow’s Engineers Week.
The findings show 90% of 9-18 year olds want a career that tackles social issues with almost half wanting to help animals (47%), two-fifths want to save peoples lives (37%) and a third want to help tackle homelessness (29%).
While two-thirds (65%) of Generation Z claim money is the most important thing to look for in a career, 43% want to be part of something to be proud of and 37% want a career that offers excitement.
Two-thirds of the young people surveyed say they would consider a career in engineering if it allowed them to help the world, the environment or save people’s lives / Picture: Getty/iStock
One example of the stories that Tomorrow’s Engineers week highlights is that of Sarah Cain, Reliability and Maintenance Manager, at Mars Chocolate & Wrigley UK, who is currently working on a new production line that will be operational at the plant for the next 40 years. Sarah said: “Engineers are at the forefront of tackling many of the global problems we face in the world today. From my time working for the RAF fixing aircraft, to my current role where I ensure access to safe food for the millions of people who consume Wrigley’s products, I’ve been able to use my engineering skills to help solve problems that really make a difference.
“For a young person who wants a career that is challenging and satisfying, I can’t think of anything better than a career in engineering.”
You can find out more about Sarah’s story in the video below
Dr. Thilo Pfau, Senior Lecturer in Bio-Engineering at The Royal Veterinary College, added: “I believe it is important to think of engineering as an exciting area that extends into every area of life.
“For me personally, it has given me a career which allows me to combine my interest in computers, patterns and algorithms with my passion for animals. I use engineering to help veterinarians diagnose and treat problems that restrict the quality of life of many animals.”
Among the 9-18 year olds questioned by researchers only a few (10%) were actively considering a career in engineering but two-thirds (67%) would consider a career in engineering if it allowed them to help the world, the environment or save peoples’ lives.
During Tomorrow’s Engineers Week (6-10 November 2017) a series of films will be released showcasing engineers on a mission to tackle the issues young people care about the most, such as homelessness, saving lives and helping animals.
Beth Elgood, Director of Communications at EngineeringUK, concluded: “Engineering careers offer young people what they tell us they’re looking for: the opportunity to make a difference and to earn salaries that are higher than average, whether they take a graduate or apprenticeship route.
“During Tomorrow’s Engineers Week we will showcase a range of engineers working for organisations as diverse as the Red Cross, GSK and the Royal Veterinary College.”
Tomorrow’s Engineers Week (#TEWeek17 on Twitter) will take place between 6-10 November 2017. Find out more about what engineers can achieve at Tomorrow’s Engineers.