Aberdeen is the Oil and Gas captital of europe, bespoke HESA statistics show that of the boys going on to study at HE level ~20% choose to study engineering. This figure is twice the national average. The likely factors giving rise to this difference are;
However, the statistics for Girls are in line with the national average ~ 5%. This statistic should not be interpreted as indication that Girls are under-performing. Accademically gifted Girls are simply choosing alternative subjects to study. As shown in this chart.
With the support of Mrs Sutherland, Guidance Teacher at Aberdeen Grammar School, a survey, by no means rigorous, of S3 - S6 pupils was undertaken. The aim of the survey was to collect data on the pupils preferences and perceptions of engineering.
The survey revealed that;
"Based on the pupils surveyed it doesn’t appear that there are any negative perceptions regarding engineering in terms of job security and benefit to society. And, the pupil’s responses indicate that they do not have an image of female engineers as being ‘Tom Boys’. Why girls are less inclined to consider engineering remains unclear"
For the full survey report click here.