World Engineering Day: why the world needs more engineers

Yet, despite their importance, many countries face a shortage of engineers. The demand for skilled professionals continues to rise as industries evolve, and new challenges emerge, particularly in sustainability, healthcare, and digital transformation.

Encouraging more people to pursue engineering is essential to ensuring progress and innovation continue. But how do we inspire the next generation to take up this vital profession?

The growing demand for engineers

The world is undergoing rapid technological and societal changes that require engineering expertise. Several key areas highlight why engineers are more critical than ever:

Sustainability and climate change: engineers are at the forefront of developing renewable energy solutions, designing sustainable infrastructure, and creating new materials that reduce environmental impact. As the world strives to meet climate targets, engineering talent is essential to drive progress.

Digital transformation and AI: the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and smart technology is revolutionising industries. Engineers are needed to develop, maintain, and advance these technologies, ensuring they function efficiently and ethically.

Healthcare and medical innovation: from biomedical engineering to the development of advanced medical devices, engineers play a key role in improving healthcare outcomes. Breakthroughs in medical imaging, prosthetics, and even AI-assisted diagnostics all rely on engineering expertise.

Infrastructure and urban development: with the global population expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, urban planning, transportation, and smart cities will require innovative engineering solutions to meet growing demands.

Despite this urgent need, many engineering sectors face a talent shortage, with fewer young people choosing engineering as a career. Addressing this challenge is crucial to ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.

David King, Senior Principal Product Engineer, Cadence, said: "World Engineering Day is the perfect moment to reflect on the substantial generational shift we’re seeing in the data centre industry, one that is placing increased value on sustainability. Deloitte found that 62% of Gen Z and millennial respondents said that they research companies’ environmental impact and policies before accepting jobs.

“Traditionally focused on physical infrastructure, engineering data centre roles are evolving to require advanced technical skills like proficiency with digital twinning (simulation) software. These tools are crucial in modern data centres for optimising energy use, airflow, and resource allocation, igniting a shift toward efficiency and sustainability.

“The next generation’s commitment to sustainability will drive more talent to the data centre industry as they hope to help promote greener practices, such as implementing advanced cooling methods, reducing inefficient resource utilisation and reducing stranded capacity.

“As engineers evolve into more senior management roles, data centres will become more agile, eco-friendly, and resilient. This evolution will not only close the current skills gap but redefine the industry’s approach to sustainable innovation, positioning it for a future led by Gen Z’s commitment to impactful, environmentally conscious operations."

Why are young people not choosing engineering?

One of the main barriers to attracting young talent to engineering is a lack of awareness and engagement from an early age. Several factors contribute to this issue.

Many young people (and their parents) see engineering as a difficult, highly technical, or even dull profession. The reality is quite the opposite – engineering is about solving real-world problems, creativity, and innovation. However, these misconceptions often deter students from considering engineering as a viable career path.

Diversity in engineering remains a challenge. Women, minorities, and individuals from underprivileged backgrounds are often underrepresented in STEM fields. Without visible role models, it can be difficult for some young people to see themselves in an engineering career. Promoting diverse success stories is crucial to changing perceptions and making the field more inclusive.

Engineering is best understood through practical experience, yet many education systems focus heavily on theory rather than hands-on learning. Without opportunities to build, create, and experiment, students may struggle to connect with the subject. Practical exposure through school projects, maker spaces, and internships can help bridge this gap.

While STEM careers are highly rewarding, they are often perceived as challenging and competitive. Some students may feel intimidated by the level of maths and science required, without realising the vast range of engineering roles that exist across different skill levels and disciplines. Highlighting the accessibility and variety of engineering careers can help change this perception.

How can we inspire the next generation of engineers?

Attracting more young people into engineering requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, outreach, and industry engagement. Here are some key strategies:

Start early with STEM education

Introducing engineering concepts at an early age can spark interest and curiosity. Schools should incorporate more hands-on STEM activities that allow students to experiment, build, and explore problem-solving. Encouraging participation in robotics clubs, coding workshops, and science fairs can make a huge difference in shaping a child's perception of engineering.

Promote role models and mentorship

Representation matters. Highlighting successful engineers from diverse backgrounds can inspire young people to see themselves in similar roles. Industry professionals can volunteer as mentors, speak at schools, and participate in outreach programmes to provide guidance and encouragement.

Break down stereotypes about engineering

It is crucial to change the narrative around engineering careers. Engineering is not just about working with machines or sitting behind a desk – it’s about making a tangible impact on the world. Media, educators, and companies should work to showcase the creativity, collaboration, and excitement that comes with an engineering career.

Encourage more women into engineering

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in engineering. Initiatives that support girls in STEM, such as mentorship schemes, scholarships, and women-in-engineering networks, can help bridge this gap. Highlighting the achievements of female engineers can also challenge outdated perceptions of the profession.

Strengthen industry and education collaboration

Bringing real-world engineering experiences into the classroom can inspire students. Companies can offer internships, apprenticeships, and work-experience programmes that expose young people to the industry. Universities and schools should work closely with businesses to ensure that engineering education remains relevant and aligned with industry needs.

Make engineering more accessible

Scholarships, grants, and alternative education pathways can help make engineering careers more accessible to underrepresented groups. Not all engineers need a traditional four-year degree – vocational training, apprenticeships, and online courses can provide alternative routes into the profession.

Professor Graham Reed from the University of Southampton, a leading expert in Silicon Photonics (SiPh) and Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre, said: “Engineers play a critical role in our lives, discovering and advancing new innovations and technologies to help transform our advanced technical industries for the better. To continue this progress in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and telecoms on this upwards trajectory, engineers require ongoing access to research facilities.

“Providing industry-specific experts, collaborators, funding and state-of-the-art laboratories enables engineers to refine new processes, uncover applications and discover life-changing breakthroughs. In the field of silicon photonics, partnerships between engineers, academics, and industry experts help form an ecosystem of discovery, driving innovation in everything from high-speed data transmission to pioneering new medical technologies. This collaborative model – like that fostered at the CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre (C-PIC) – ensures that transformative ideas move seamlessly from research to real-world impact, breaking down silos and accelerating progress.”

The future is being built by engineers – let’s make sure we have enough of them to shape a better world!