The declining enrolment of New Zealanders in Bachelor of Engineering programmes

Abstract

This paper discusses proposed research into the knowledge and attitudes towards professional engineering as a career or field of study held by Year 13 pupils from the Auckland region. An investigation stimulated by the falling enrolment into Bachelor of Engineering degrees by students from most industrialised countries, but more critically by students from within New Zealand itself. The discussion covers comparisons between school pupils from New Zealand and other industrialised nations on the basis of academic achievement, career selection, gender and ethnicity. The proposed methodology, anticipated results, and the possible benefit of those results are also discussed, the author encourages feedback.