Not for girls? Majority see engineering as male career

As a result, just 3% say they would consider a career in engineering. At university technical colleges (UTCs) however, the picture is different. Nearly two thirds (65%) of girls believe they have the same job opportunities as boys in engineering. The findings are part of two surveys commissioned by Baker Dearing Educational Trust, of 14-18 year old students at UTCs and other mainstream schools. The surveys also show a worrying difference in how confident girls feel about getting a job when they leave education. 90% of girls at UTCs felt confident they could get a job compared to just 76% at other mainstream schools. What's more, almost double the number of girls attending UTCs (83%) felt they had gained valuable practical skills compared to just 49% at other mainstream schools. Lord Baker, chair of Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the charity behind UTCs, said: "The UK has the lowest percentage of female engineering professionals in Europe. We have to challenge outdated ideas that careers in engineering, science and technology are more suitable for boys than girls. "Girls at UTCs are leading the way, demonstrating the kind of talent, commitment and interest in these subjects that this country so desperately needs. It's vital that this message is championed in other schools as well." The Royal Academy of Engineering estimates that the UK economy will require 830,000 scientists, engineers and technologists by 2020. Attracting girls as well as boys to study for careers in STEM is crucial to meet these skills requirements. Philip Greenish CBE, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: "The UK needs many more people with skills in innovation, creativity and enterprise – skills that are fundamental to engineering and key to the UK's competitive edge. "UTCs are superbly positioned to reach out to young people from all backgrounds, male and female, and to bring to life the wonderful opportunities available from a career in engineering."