In a wake-up call for facility managers nationwide who are seeking to recruit the next generation of skilled professionals, engineering now ranks fourth among students’ career preferences, behind medicine, health sciences, business and economics.
The findings are a part of new research from Decoding the Career Path of Today’s Young People.
Australia needs an estimated 60,000 more engineers by 2035. Facility managers, in particular, rely heavily on skilled engineers across disciplines to design, operate and maintain complex systems that keep buildings and infrastructure running efficiently and safely. 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. It leaves the country heavily reliant on skilled migration to meet demand.
Engineers Australia group executive, professional standards and engineering practice, Bernadette Foley says public perception continues to be a major hurdle.
“Additional research from Year 13 shows many young people still don’t understand what engineering is or the wide range of opportunities it offers,” Foley says.
She notes issues such as “outdated stereotypes” and “a lack of visibility of the real-world impact of engineers” are further discouraging young people seeking a career in engineering.
The next generations of engineers
To combat the issue, Engineers Australia has created the Inspiring Future Engineers program, a national initiative to inspire and attract the next generation of engineers.
Engineers Australia has partnered with Year 13 on the Engineered for Impact Academy and Engineering Hub, which uses social media, career tools and online content to raise awareness about engineering and its impact on society among school students.
The Inspiring Future Engineers program will include discussion papers, submissions and advocacy led by Engineers Australia.
“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 says.
“From tech and healthcare to climate and space, engineering shapes every part of modern life.”
“There’s no single path into engineering and [there are] 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.”
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