GCU Alumni of the Year Josh Robertson calls for more action to inspire the next generation of engineers

A Glasgow Caledonian University alumnus has called for engineering to be better promoted as a career path for secondary-school pupils after being named one of the University’s Alumni of the Year.

Josh Robertson, a graduate of GCU’s School of Science and Engineering, was recognised for his work founding Engineer a Career, a social enterprise that aims to inspire and support future engineers through podcasts, live events, social media and written content.

Speaking after receiving the award, Josh said engineering remains widely misunderstood among young people, despite strong demand for skills across the sector. “Engineering is incredibly broad and often misunderstood,” he said. “Many pupils don’t see engineering as something they could be good at, even if they already have the right mindset.”

Josh’s interest in engineering began at a young age, inspired by watching his father work as an engineer. He says that early exposure helped him understand how engineering combines problem solving, creativity and teamwork − connections he believes are often missing in school education.

“The focus is too often on subjects rather than mindset,” he said. “Engineering is not just about maths or physics. It’s about curiosity, communication and creativity, and there are multiple routes into the profession. I often describe mechanical engineering as sitting at the intersection of maths, physics and communication or design. These disciplines are taught separately in school, but the connection between them is rarely made clear. As a result, many pupils fail to recognise engineering as a path they could thrive in.”

Launched in 2024 with no initial funding, Engineer a Career has since grown to include nationwide live events, a student ambassador network and partnerships with major engineering employers. Josh has also produced and hosted an early-career podcast series for one of the UK’s largest engineering consultancies, was one of the University's first new Entrepreneurial Hub members to receive seed funding from Santander Universities and was honoured at the Scottish Start Up Awards in France in 2025.

He believes industry has a responsibility to play a stronger role in engaging with schools. “The demand for engineers comes from industry, so the responsibility to show what opportunities exist should start there,” he said.

He credits Glasgow Caledonian University with giving him the confidence and practical grounding to build his career and launch the social enterprise. “GCU reinforced the importance of applied learning and people-focused education, which strongly influences how I approach my work today,” he said.

Josh was named one of three Alumni of the Year at a celebration held on Thursday, February 5, recognising graduates who have made a significant contribution to their profession and wider community.

Offering advice to pupils considering engineering, he added: “There is no single right path. Engineering needs different minds, backgrounds and routes. If you are curious and willing to learn, there is a place for you.”