Engineering is “male” profession

A survey conducted by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has found that two thirds of the public consider engineering a predominantly “male” profession, with just 27% associating the term “engineer” equally between men and women.

Meanwhile, the poll also suggests that 40% of the public think the current image of engineering is a major factor that deters more women from choosing the profession, in comparison to 21% suggesting it deters both men and women alike.

Women still make up a worryingly low proportion of the engineering workforce

IMechE president Mark Hunt

Mark Hunt, who today succeeds Patrick Kniveton as IMechE president, said: “I want to use my year as president to demonstrate what engineers have to offer society, and to broaden public awareness of how engineers are improving the world we live in. I also want to help galvanise action to inspire the next generation of engineering innovators and work hard to encourage more diversity in the industry.”

“Women still make up a worryingly low proportion of the engineering workforce, at 6%, and I am determined to help break down the stereotypes that are putting women off joining this vibrant and exciting profession,” added Hunt.

“My challenge to every engineer is to ask themselves what they have done today to improve society and then to tell someone about it? We need to be proud of our engineering achievements.”