Undervaluing the engineering profession

The Finniston Committee Report attaches considerable importance to the part played by British culture in the recognition and social standing of the engineer. There is nothing new in this, of course. Similar observations have been repeated for at least the last 30 years. If it is indeed so important, it is surprising that so little attention has been paid to encouraging or attempting a more fundamental and extensive analysis of the precise aspects of British culture which are relevant, their sources of support, and the factors which could contribute to change — were this thought to be desirable. The Report is a little more explicit. It draws attention to the absence in Britain of a third culture alongside science and art, which is the value placed on