World Dominance Overrated

Ray Barnes touched on numerous aspects of the pneumatics industry and based on his position in the global market I am inclined to go along with what he says.

One particular point I latched on to was in connection with 'Engineers' and how the Indians and Chinese were creating an enormous pool of engineers to fill the new vacuum by making 'Engineering' a respected well paid profession.

It would be nice, from my viewpoint in the UK, if engineers could operate in a similar climate. But unfortunately we are up against competition from the 'commercial' professions that have a stranglehold on industry. Specifically the accountants and lawyers.

They ensure that (in any boardroom, they rank, in status and pay, well above engineers). Thus no matter how engineers contribute to improving the value of a product, they will always be kept in third place. Thus the illusion that accountants and lawyers are superior will be perpetrated. Newcomers will be drawn by pay and status.

However, there is one industry where engineers are respected and have status way above accountants and lawyers. Where you might ask!

It is in the Navy. Take something like an aircraft carrier - a multi-million pound industry. The Chief Engineer is ranked alongside the Captain, and there is not an accountant or lawyer in sight (at least not with executive authority). But being cynical, if they do exist, they are probably tucked up safely and comfortably at home).

There we are. Personally I am not bothered for myself, but engineering will not become an attractive career while the status quo exists.