Despite the number of expensive initiatives thrown at them, 90% of 14 and 15 year olds still know little or nothing about careers in engineering and technology, a study by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) showed.

It found engineering failed to make the top 10 career choices - falling behind hotel management.

Jan Stapleton, head of Education 5-19, IET, had expected the results to show more enthusiasm for the area, after running a number of educational programmes. She said the organisation would be examining its initiatives to see how it could better make a difference, adding: “It is imperative that the UK attracts more young people into engineering and technology to tackle the growing skills shortage.”

The top three career choices in this age group were: lawyer in first place, teacher in second and professional sportsperson in third.