IET response to the House of Lords Education for 11-16 Year Olds Committee’s report: ‘Requires Improvement: Urgent change for 11-16 Education’

The profession, which makes up 19% of the UK workforce* is trusted to tell the truth by 85% of the population, closely following librarians (86%) and ahead of teachers, professors, and members of the Armed Forces. Engineers have recorded similar levels of trust in previous years, including a score of 89% in 2020.

The survey did however show a higher level of distrust among younger people which may be related to younger people having lower awareness of the profession. This is something which the IET hopes to change through various perception and awareness campaigns, including its annual Engineer a Better World campaign and its recent Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards. 

Dr Gopichand Katragadda, IET President, said: “This trust in engineers positions us uniquely to lead the charge in Responsible AI and Climate Change Action. Responsible AI is about creating technology that not only advances our capabilities but does so ethically and sustainably. As engineers, we have the responsibility to ensure that AI systems are fair, transparent, and inclusive, respecting privacy and diversity. Our role extends beyond innovation to shaping AI that aligns with societal values and norms.

“With climate change being one of the most pressing challenges of our time, engineers are at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions. From renewable energy technologies to smart infrastructure, our expertise is crucial in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sustainable future. Our trusted position enables us to drive meaningful change, ensuring technology and progress go hand in hand with environmental stewardship.

“The acknowledgement of our trustworthiness amplifies our duty to lead and innovate responsibly for the betterment of our planet and society.”

At the bottom of the trust league table are: politicians generally (9%), government ministers (10%), advertising executives (16%), journalists (21%) and business leaders (30%).

ENDS

Notes to Editors

*Trends in the engineering workforce between 2010 and 2021, Engineering UK, 2022.

The Ipsos Veracity Index is an annual poll that has measured the trustworthiness of professions in Britain since 1983.

This year’s survey was carried out over two waves of a telephone omnibus survey.

• For the core list of 26 professions Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,020 adults aged 16+ across Great Britain by telephone between 8 November and 14 November 2023.
• For a short list of five professions (Managers in the NHS, economists, members of the Armed Forces, landlords of private residential properties and football referees), Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,015 adults aged 16+ across Great Britain by telephone between 15 and 21 November 2023.

Data is weighted to match the profile of the population. Where percentages do not sum to 100 this may be due to computer rounding. 

About the IET

• We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world.
• We are a diverse home for engineering and technology intelligence throughout the world. This breadth and depth means we are uniquely placed to help the sector progress society.
• We want to build the profile of engineering and technology to change outdated perceptions and tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.
• Interview opportunities are available with our spokespeople from a range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and diversity in engineering.
• For more information, visit theiet.org
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IET Media enquiries

Rebecca Gillick
External Communications Manager
Email: rgillick@theiet.org

Sophie Lockyer
Senior Communications Executive
Email: slockyer@theiet.org