ERB out to transform engineering sector

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Engineers Registration Board (ERB) is leading a transformative initiative to revitalise the engineering sector in Tanzania.

The board is focusing on educating the youth about the importance of engineering and addressing gender disparity within the industry.

This ambitious effort, outlined by ERB Registrar Engineer Bernard Kavishe, aims to reshape the future of engineering in the country. During a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Eng Kavishe emphasised the crucial role of engineering in national development.

He noted that engineering drives infrastructure development, technological advancement and economic growth. However, he stressed the need to cultivate a strong interest in engineering among the younger generation.

“The future of our nation depends heavily on our ability to produce skilled engineers who can tackle the challenges of the 21st century,” Eng Kavishe said.

“To achieve this, we are committed to educating and raising awareness among the youth about the significance of the engineering profession. We need to inspire them to pursue careers in this field, which is essential for our country’s sustainable development.”

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Eng Kavishe highlighted that the ERB is implementing various educational programmes designed to engage students at the grassroots level. These programmes introduce students to engineering fundamentals, inspire creativity and provide a clear pathway into the profession.

The board believes that fostering an early interest in engineering will help build a robust pipeline of future engineers.

In addition to youth education, the ERB is addressing gender imbalance within the engineering sector.

Vice-Chairperson of the Board for Women, Engineer Esther Christopher, pointed out the significant gap between men and women in the profession. Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in engineering fields.

“The gender gap in engineering is still substantial,” Eng Christopher said, adding; “Women make up only a small percentage of the engineering workforce and this needs to change. We must create more opportunities for women to enter and thrive in this sector.”

As of the most recent data available, women are significantly underrepresented in the engineering workforce in Tanzania. According to a report by the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) and various sources within the sector, women make up approximately 15 per cent of the engineering workforce in the country.

In contrast, men dominate the field, making up around 85 per cent of the engineering workforce. This disparity reflects broader global trends, but efforts are ongoing in Tanzania to address this imbalance and encourage more women to pursue and advance in engineering careers.

Eng Christopher emphasised the importance of role models and mentorship in encouraging more women to pursue engineering careers. She noted that many young women are deterred from entering the field due to a lack of accurate information about the sector.

“We need to showcase successful women in engineering and provide mentorship programmes that guide and support young women as they embark on their engineering careers,” she added.

To bridge the gender gap, the ERB is implementing initiatives to empower women in engineering, including networking opportunities and workshops designed to build confidence and skills among women engineers.

According to Ndabazi Stephano, Secondary Education Officer from Kyerwa District, Kagera Region, another key figure in the ERB, the board has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of science education through the STEM Support Programme (SSP).

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This programme has been particularly effective in recruiting professional teachers passionate about teaching science subjects and making them more appealing to students.

“The SSP has been a game-changer,” Stephano said. “It has helped us recruit dedicated science teachers who engage students and foster a love for learning. A strong foundation in science is crucial for anyone considering a career in engineering.”