Engineering is part of nearly every aspect of modern life, from technology and roads to energy and health. Yet ironically, most young Australians still don’t fully understand what engineers do. As a result, engineering often gets overlooked as a career choice - and that’s a problem.

Recent research from Decoding the Career Path of Today’s Young People shows engineering ranks fourth in student career interests behind medicine, health sciences and business and economics. This is despite its role in tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time including climate change and the energy transition.

Part of the problem is outdated perceptions. Engineering is often stereotyped as hard hats, Hi-Viz and boots. In reality, it’s a diverse profession built on creativity and problem-solving that achieves real-world impact.  According to a Year13 survey, around two-thirds of students reported little or no understanding of what engineering actually involves. Meanwhile, three-quarters of young people said they want careers that are future-focused and impactful. Clearly, there’s a disconnect.

Engineers Australia aims to close this gap through its new Inspiring Future Engineers program, a national initiative to inspire and attract the next generation of engineers. This includes a partnership with educational technology platform Year13 to create the Engineered for Impact Academy and Engineering Hub – digital platforms that engage students where they spend their time. The program shows engineering as a versatile and rewarding career that offers real opportunities to contribute to the issues young Australians care about.

The case for a new approach couldn’t be clearer. Up to 68,000 engineers are expected to retire by 2026, prompting Engineers Australia to urge the Australian Government to set a target of 60,000 additional engineering graduates over the next decade.  This is needed as domestic student enrolments in engineering have flatlined since 2014 and fewer students are studying the advanced maths needed to enter the profession. Over 60 percent of Australia’s current engineering workforce was born overseas, highlighting a reliance on skilled migration that is unsustainable in the long term.

There’s also a persistent gender gap. Just 16% of professional engineers and 19% of engineering graduates in Australia are women and only eight percent of female high school? students surveyed want to study engineering, with many citing a lack of role models and limited understanding of the profession as the reason. Addressing these barriers means showing that engineering is open to everyone.

Engineers Australia is investing in discussion papers, submissions and advocacy work as part of the Inspiring Future Engineers program. This includes raising awareness about the profession and the variety of pathways that lead into it.

Australia’s future growth and competitiveness depend on a strong engineering workforce. To build that workforce we need to change the way we talk about engineering and make it relevant to young people. It’s time to move beyond stereotypes and show that engineering is about creativity, problem-solving and making a real difference. Our future depends on it.

By Bernadette Foley – Civil engineer and Engineers Australia Group Executive, Professional Standards and Engineering Practice