An overwhelming 85 percent of youth surveyed say that they are not interested in a future engineering career. According to a recent survey of youth, the top three reasons why kids aren't interested in engineering include: they don't know much about engineering (44 percent); they prefer a more exciting career than engineering (30 percent); and they don't feel confident enough in their math or science skills (21 percent) to be good at it.

Findings from the adult survey on this topic show that: only 20 percent of parents have encouraged/will encourage their child/children to consider an engineering career; and the vast majority of parents (97 percent) believe that knowledge of math and science will help their children have a successful career.

The ASQ survey aimed to provide a better understanding about the perceptions of selecting an engineering career in light of the looming skilled trades shortage.