May 2011
Featured in this insight: Education, Manufacturing, engineering & industrial
Graduate survey reveals top 5 engineering icons: A survey of 900 graduates in the UK, carried out by GE, has shown that two British innovators, one a legendary engineer and the other a contemporary inventor remain as heroes to the current generation of engineering students.
Sir James Dyson and Isambard Kingdom Brunel came out top in the survey, beating Apple’s Steve Jobs as their favourite icons in the field.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Britain’s legendary nineteenth century civil engineer who was famed for creating bridges and dockyards, is an enduring premier hero to young engineers, while fellow Brit Dyson earned second place in the iconic poll.
Apple’s Steven Jobs took the third position with Nikola Tesla and Bill Gates respectively following behind to complete the top five.
Mark Elborne, President and CEO of GE UK, commented: "Our research shows that iconic figures – both historic and modern – continue to inspire a new generation of engineers... We continue to see the impact of these icons all around us today; and our research shows that we have a proud tradition of pioneers and innovators in this country, which should be celebrated.”
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