Engineering still seen as male profession
Most of the public still consider engineering as a 'male profession', according to a survey by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
The findings coincide with the appointment of the Institution's new president, Group Captain Mark Hunt (pictured), who has vowed to encourage greater diversity during his tenure.
According to the survey, 66% of the public associate the term 'engineer' more with men, with just 27% saying they associated the term equally with men and women.
Two fifths (40%) of the public think the current image of engineering is deterring women from the profession, compared with 21% saying it is deterring both men and women.
Hunt said: "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.
"I also want to help galvanise action to inspire the next generation of engineering innovators and work hard to encourage more diversity in the industry."
