EngineeringUK report highlights flaws in access to STEM careers

Titled ‘Advancing STEM careers provision in England’, the report found that a lack of work experience strategy, teacher support and access to quality work experience opportunities is holding back STEM careers.

Consequently, the report calls on government to publish a new long-term careers strategy for England, with a work experience strategy to run alongside it. 

In a statement, EngineeringUK chief executive, Dr Hilary Leevers, said: “The government must take a more strategic approach to STEM education and skills. This includes greater investment in the careers system to realise the full potential of the billions of pounds invested in education and training. Young people need to be able to make the connection between their studies and their future careers.”

EngineeringUK surveyed 188 teachers and others in schools about the barriers they face in delivering effective STEM careers guidance. 

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One survey respondent said: “We could do more if teachers had more time, and if it fitted with the curriculum. There's a lot that falls between the gaps - e.g., Engineering - is it the responsibility of Maths, Science or DT? We used to have a STEM coordinator, which worked well, but the funding fell away.”

“There is not enough funding, qualified staff or time allocated to it, and yet so much is expected in terms of impact, results and reaching targets,” said another. “It is often sidelined in schools or bolted on to another job, so not always given priority.”

In the report, 61 per cent of respondents said students of work experience age at their school take part in STEM work experience each year, and that insufficient funding prevents 37 per cent of respondents from engaging more with STEM employers. A third cited a lack of capacity within schools to engage more with STEM employers. 

The report also highlighted: 

• Over a third (36 per cent) who highlighted funding as a barrier to delivering STEM careers provision said the lack of funding means that they are unable to support STEM work experience in their school 
• 43 per cent said practical help in finding good quality STEM work experience for students could be improved
• 25 per cent said Careers Leaders in their school are being allocated less than one day per week to fulfil their roles

Science Education Tracker, published by EngineeringUK and the Royal Society in April 2024, found that 15 per cent of students had done STEM related work experience but a further 26 per cent of students had wanted to do STEM-related work experience but had been unable to do so.

Many STEM employers offer outreach STEM work, but more need to offer placements.

Neil Young, group engineering capability director, Babcock International Group, said, "At Babcock we have multiple programmes that run across the business. One of those is in our Devonport site, called Future Engineers, where we bring circa 40 children to the site for a week.

“The takeaway from our last event was that 89 per cent of those that took part were keen to pursue a STEM career which they wouldn't have been aware of had they not attended. Ensuring we offer these placements and support events that raise awareness of STEM careers is now becoming increasingly important for us and our peers."

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