June 2014
Featured in this insight: Manufacturing, engineering & industrial
Majority of the public still class engineering as a ‘male’ profession: A survey done by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME) has shown that the majority of the public still class engineering as a ‘male’ profession.
The results show that two thirds (66%) associate the term ‘engineer’ more with men than women; with less than three in 10 (27%) associating the term equally with men and women.
Two fifths (40%) of the public believe the current image surrounding engineers deters women taking up the profession, compared to the 21% who believe it discourages both men and women.
Currently, women make up just 6% of the engineering workforce, a “worrying low proportion” according to Mark Hunt, President Group Captain at IME.
Hunt, who was appointed as president on May 28, has vowed to encourage greater diversity within the engineering workforce during his tenure.
He told the IME: “I am determined to help break down the stereotypes that are putting women off joining this vibrant and exciting profession. 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.”
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