Technology is a neglected mandatory subject in the Swedish compulsory school. The subject is supposed to inspire young people to consider a technical career, due to an increasing need for engineers and a declining recruitment to engineering education.

An investigation of influential factors for choosing a technical career is presented. The factors are well-known, but the relative impact of the factors is investigated using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with engineering students. Special focus is put on the effect of previous technical schooling. The most important factors for choosing technical education are personal technical interest, future salary expectations, and personal qualities.