Engineers Australia Launches 'Inspiring Future Engineers' to Bridge Skills Gap
Australia faces a significant skills gap in engineering, with over 60% of engineers born overseas and up to 68,000 expected to retire by 2036. Despite ranking fourth in student career interests, only 11% of Australian students understand engineering well, and just 14% consider it as a career. Engineers Australia has launched the Inspiring Future Engineers program to change perceptions and attract more young Australians to the field.
The program aims to challenge outdated stereotypes, like 17-year-old Mia's initial view of engineers as people in hard hats on construction sites. It seeks to highlight engineering's diversity and impact, from tackling climate change to developing medical technology. Currently, only 16% of Australia's professional engineers are women, and many young girls lack visible female role models. The campaign hopes to inspire more young Australians, regardless of gender, to consider engineering as a career.
Australia needs an estimated 60,000 more engineers by 2035 to meet demand. The Inspiring Future Engineers program is a crucial step in bridging this gap by renewing interest in the profession and presenting engineering in a new light.
The Inspiring Future Engineers program, launched by Engineers Australia, is addressing the growing skills gap in Australian engineering. By challenging stereotypes and showcasing the field's diversity and impact, the campaign aims to attract more young Australians to engineering, ultimately helping to meet the country's future engineering needs.
