‘Encouragement gap’ keeping women out of STEM, finds Engineers Ireland survey

A new national survey conducted by Interactions Research, on behalf of Engineers Ireland, has revealed that, despite strong public support for science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) careers, women remain far less likely to be encouraged to pursue them.

Based on a nationally representative sample of over 1,000 adults, the research found that more than one in five people in Ireland (22%) currently work in STEM roles. Yet men are almost twice as likely to be employed in a STEM role, with 28% of men employed in STEM roles but just 16% of women working in this field. Only 32% of female respondents recalled ever being urged to consider a STEM career, compared to 43% of men.

The results come as Engineers Ireland attends this year’s National Ploughing Championships, where it is raising awareness of engineering, and its diverse opportunities, as a career choice.

Public support for engineering remains strong with seven in ten respondents saying they would encourage someone to consider a STEM career. Among those currently working in engineering, family and teachers were cited as the most influential sources of advice, underlining the importance of early guidance in shaping career choices.

Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland said, “This research shows the gender gap starts before college applications, it starts with who gets early guidance and support. Ireland urgently needs more engineers to deliver on housing, energy and other forms of key infrastructure, yet the signals that steer young people towards these careers are not reaching everyone equally. Women remain underrepresented not only in early guidance but in the profession itself.

“Engineers Ireland is focused on changing perceptions and broadening pathways. That means visible role models, stronger guidance in schools and multiple entry routes so girls and young women can see themselves in engineering and stay in the profession. But a collective societal effort is needed to make engineering visible, accessible and attractive to every young person.”

That call for action is echoed in the survey findings. Almost two-thirds of respondents (63%) agreed that promoting STEM training is essential to support Ireland’s economy in the current global context. More than four in five (81%) believe the Government should do more to promote STEM careers, a figure that rises to 90% among those already working in the sector.

Respondents also set out significant worries about key areas of infrastructure and their ability to negatively affect quality of life in Ireland and its economic prospects, with 79% stating they are concerned about the future impact of housing shortages, 69% are concerned about energy infrastructure shortfalls, and 67% are concerned about the impact of climate change and drought.

When asked about the infrastructural challenges Ireland should prioritise over the next decade, housing infrastructure ranked highest with 81% of respondents viewing it as a priority, followed closely by energy (79%), transport (74%), and water infrastructure (74%).