Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2024 highlights career pathways in engineering and technology

Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2024, hosted by EngineeringUK, is set to engage young people aged 11 to 14 with a nationwide celebration of career opportunities in engineering and technology.

The week aims to show how students' passions, such as creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, can lead to fulfilling careers in a sector that plays a key role in shaping the future.

This year's theme, "Power up your passion," highlights how young people can align their interests with career paths in engineering and technology. A survey conducted at the 2024 Big Bang Fair, the UK’s largest STEM event, found that 64% of young people are motivated by careers that connect to their personal interests. The findings suggest that engaging students with their passions can be an effective way to inspire them to consider engineering roles.

Speaking exclusively to ETIH, Dr. Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, emphasised the importance of such events in broadening young people’s perspectives:

"Tomorrow’s Engineers Week plays a vital role in exposing young people to the breadth of possibilities in engineering and technology. Many students are unaware of how their everyday passions—whether it’s gaming, creativity, or problem-solving—can translate into fulfilling careers.

This week offers a way for young people to connect the dots, disrupting outdated ideas about engineering and showing how it is about innovation, creativity, and making a real difference in the world. Tomorrow’s Engineers Week activities and resources, like the toolkit and the short ‘Day in the Life’ films about engineers, do the essential job of broadening horizons and introducing students to career paths they might never have considered otherwise."

Addressing Misconceptions and Breaking Barriers

Despite the growing opportunities in the engineering and technology sectors, many students still have misconceptions about the suitability of these careers. For example, only 16% of girls think engineering is a career for them, according to a 2023 report by EngineeringUK.

Tomorrow’s Engineers Week seeks to challenge these perceptions by showcasing diverse role models and providing resources to help students see the wide range of opportunities available.

Dr. Leevers added:

"We know that some students say that engineering and technology careers are not for them, but they often don’t really understand what these careers entail. Tomorrow’s Engineers Week actively challenges students’ misconceptions through real-world role-models from diverse backgrounds who have carved out successful careers in engineering and technology.

“The resources, films, and panels we offer are designed to show that engineering and technology are for everyone, regardless of gender or background. By linking careers to students' personal interests, we make these pathways feel accessible, exciting and achievable."

Engaging Students Through Real-World Insights

A key part of the event is its focus on real-world insights and practical resources designed for schools. Tomorrow’s Engineers Week offers teachers a range of free, flexible materials to support students in exploring how their interests can lead to engineering and technology careers. These resources include lesson plans, assemblies, and the popular "Day in the Life" film series, which provides behind-the-scenes looks at early-career engineers working in different sectors.

Teachers can use these resources in various ways, whether integrating them into existing lessons or hosting assemblies. The "Match your passion" panel is another highlight, where students can submit questions and receive personalised career advice from professionals in the field.

"We’ve already seen how these resources engage students by inviting them to think about their own passions and how they relate to career paths in engineering," said Ms Watson, a Design, Technology, and Engineering Teacher. "These tools help students make connections between their interests and potential futures, which is key to broadening their horizons."

Dr. Leevers concluded:

" We know that when young people see people working in fields aligned with their passions—whether it’s green energy, digital innovation, or the creative aspects of game design—they become more open to pursuing unconventional or emerging careers. Teachers also learn more about cutting-edge career opportunities and build their confidence in advising students about them.

“Tomorrow’s Engineers Week reached over 50,000 young people last year widening their understanding of engineering and technology and this sort of reach and messaging will be critical to ensure a diverse future workforce, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow."