A recent survey by Ipsos has elevated engineers to the position of the second most trusted profession in Great Britain.
- The Ipsos Veracity Index shows that 90% of the public express trust in engineers’ honesty and integrity.
- Engineers have surpassed professions such as doctors, professors, and teachers, trailing only nurses in public trust.
- Gender distribution in engineering remains uneven, with females representing only 15.7% of the engineering workforce.
- Ongoing initiatives aim to address the gender imbalance and enhance diversity within the profession.
A recent survey conducted by Ipsos has revealed a significant rise in the public trust of engineers, placing them second only to nurses. The Ipsos Veracity Index reports that nine out of ten individuals in Britain have faith in the honesty and integrity of engineers, reflecting a notable increase from their previous position.
This surge in confidence places engineers ahead of other respected professions, such as doctors, professors, and teachers. It underlines a sustained public confidence in technical fields, essential for the functioning and advancement of society.
The Index, which has tracked public trust annually since 1983, included engineering as a distinct profession for the past six years, emphasising its growing importance. Collaborating with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Index highlights a steady trust level around 89% over recent years, affirming the profession’s reliability.
Interestingly, the survey points out a small gender gap in trust, with males showing slightly higher confidence than females. Despite this trust, the engineering profession remains heavily male-dominated, which presents challenges for diversity efforts.
Currently, only 15.7% of engineers are women. The IET recognises this disparity and is working to rectify it through various initiatives, such as the Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards, aiming to inspire and support more women in pursuing engineering careers.
In stark contrast, professions like politics, with a trust level of 11%, highlight the extent of faith placed in engineers. This year’s survey included interviews with over a thousand adults in Britain, providing a comprehensive view of public sentiment.
Titi Oliyide, the current Young Woman Engineer of the Year, remarked on the essential role engineers play in everyday life. She emphasised that the profession’s trust rating aligns with their critical contributions to infrastructure, economy, and global challenges.
The high level of trust signals a positive outlook not only for the engineers but also for potential future aspirants considering careers in this field. As engineers lead and innovate responsibly, the recognition serves as a motivating factor for the industry to address ongoing challenges and uphold its esteemed status.
The rising trust in engineers underscores their indispensable role in advancing society and addressing global challenges.
