Poll shows Public Familiar with Engineers, Less Aware of Geoscientists
APEGBC recently conducted a public opinion poll in BC through marketing research firm Angus Reid Strategies. The poll was used to assess public awareness and perception of the professions and the Association, and to determine what perceived barriers may discourage teenagers (13-19) from pursuing careers in engineering and geoscience. This research provides valuable information and will assist APEGBC in structuring its outreach activities and developing its promotional materials.
How Does the Public View Engineers and Geoscientists?
Overall, the BC public are familiar with the kind of work that engineers do, and have a high regard for the engineering profession. However, the public is generally unfamiliar with the work of geoscientists and what this profession entails. 81% of British Columbians said they were very/somewhat familiar with the engineering profession versus 52% who said they were very/somewhat familiar with geoscience. In open-ended questions, those who did indicate familiarity were able to demonstrate a broad and diverse understanding of what the professions entail.
88% of British Columbians indicated that they have a great deal/fair amount of respect for engineers, second only to doctors, and trailed by teachers, architects and police officers in the top 20 percentile. Respect for geoscientists lagged behind (77% great deal/fair amount of respect). The lower level of respect garnered for geoscientists is likely due in part to lack of familiarity with the profession.
How Does the Public View APEGBC?
Approximately one in four British Columbians (25%) has heard of APEGBC. Regionally speaking, an average of 28% of Lower Mainland residents had heard of APEGBC, versus 19% for other regions of the provinces. While awareness of APEGBC is fairly low, British Columbians support the idea of an organization that regulates and governs engineers and geoscientists to ensure that they meet set standards. British Columbians view APEGBC’s responsibilities around the maintenance of professional standards as most important.
When asked to consider the importance of APEGBC’s various responsibilities, those polled indicated that the Association’s most important activities included: the investigation of complaints regarding members’ practice, and disciplining members if appropriate (84%); assessing qualifications of applicants to determine if they should be issued a licence to practise (84%); and developing guidelines and standards of practice for members (83%).
What are the Perceived Barriers to Teens Pursing Careers in Engineering and Geoscience?
Most feel that the academically challenging nature of the engineering profession, specifically the high aptitude for mathematics required, deters teens from pursuing careers in this field. At 28%, respondents indicated a relatively low level of disinterest in engineering as a profession, suggesting that the barriers that exist are more about a perceived lack of ability rather than a lack of interest in the professions.
British Columbians clearly indicated that the lack of awareness about professional geoscientists and career options within this profession was the most significant barrier to teens pursuing a career this field.
Tuition costs were also identified as a key barrier to the engineering and geoscience professions, though this is likely not an issue limited to the professions of engineering and geoscience.
The least significant issue for both professions is the perception that the salaries earned are not desirable.
Opinion Poll - Key Results
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