More young people might be tempted to consider a career in engineering as modern technology is helping to change the industry, making it more appealing to the youth of today.
This is the opinion of Kinjal Dave, an aerospace engineering graduate from Queen Mary University of London, who told The Guardian about her experience on the graduate scheme at BAE Systems Applied Intelligence.
Now working as a security consultant at defence contractors at BAE, she said many people do not automatically consider cybersecurity when they think of engineering.
Instead of being an industry full of older men wearing hi-vis jackets and hard hats, “it’s becoming much cooler with the digital revolution”.
Nigel Fine, chief executive of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, supported Ms Dave’s remarks, adding: “The work engineers do now is pretty cool stuff. From robotics to 3D printing and blockchain, technology is reshaping the profession.”
The development of modern technology has changed prospects for those interested in UK aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, rail, and nuclear and power.
Ms Dave also noted it is not just the subject matter that is changing in the engineering world, but the sector’s focus on bringing in more female employees.
Supported by flexible working, she stated it is “more attractive for younger people and especially women”.
There is a big drive to boost the number of British female engineers at the moment, with women only taking up 12.5 per cent of engineering jobs in the UK last year.
The disparity between male and female engineers is the result of a lack of encouragement for girls to consider engineering when they are at school; the gender pay gap; the difficulty to balance the career with a family; and a culture of sexism – even benevolent discrimination – in a male dominated environment.