Inspiring the next generation of engineers: Connecting passion with global challenges

It’s no secret that the way younger people see careers has changed. There’s so much written about how they want purpose over paychecks and to work where they can make a difference. As with many other industries, there is a skills shortage across numerous engineering disciplines in Australia. This shortage is reducing our ability as a nation to develop clever solutions to key issues in all aspects of our lives. 

So, what would we say to people thinking about their careers and wondering what engineering can offer? Engineers are by nature problem solvers. Yet, when we talk about engineers and engineering as a profession, a lot of attention is focused on the technical aspects, and less on the impact engineers have that affects a lot of the world around us much of which is commonly overlooked. 

SOTO project Engineer Frank Soto Jr outlines his thoughts on how to inspire the next generation of engineers.

“A common issue for young adults considering engineering as a career and new engineering graduates that have completed their studies at university is that they aren’t clear on what it is that engineers do. A part of the reason for this is so much attention is focused on the minutiae and basis of what engineers do instead of taking a step back to look more broadly to see and understand why the details are important, how the details will have an impact and finally who they will impact. If you could present them a project like a prototype renewable energy unit and say, “this is what you can do with a good STEM background”. I think that would help them realise what their options are in engineering. 

“Another way to shine a light on where engineering has been crucial in unusual places can help. I spoke at a high school careers event in 2019 run by the Smiths Family before COVID-19, and a student came up to me and asked, “I’m really into PDHPE, but I’m also really into IT and mechanical things as well, is there a type of engineering that looks at all three?” The answer was, yes there is, and it is biomedical engineering. After that, she wanted to know so much more that I couldn’t even begin to answer all her questions.

“Engineering is connected to a lot of aspects of life, it’s just a matter of what direction you want to pursue and what grabs your interest because likely there is an engineering career in it. Unfortunately, many potentially brilliant engineers never get shown these paths, which is sad because it means the profession and the world at large don’t get to see and feel the impact these engineers could have had on our lives. So, when I get to speak to potential engineers and young engineers, I encourage them to follow their passion for engineering to see where it takes them.

“Helping young people to see the potential for interesting careers in engineering where they can pursue their passion is critical if we are going to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers who will develop the solutions to major challenges.”