The UK desperately needs to grow the economy and is banking on STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – to do so, especially engineering and technology.
But we lack the necessary skills. So it’s vital that reforms in education prioritise STEM to future-proof the economy and lead young people into meaningful and well-paid careers.
Jobs in engineering and technology currently make up 19.2% of the UK workforce and are predicted to grow faster than any other sector. This is great news for young people as there will be literally hundreds of thousands of high-skilled, well-paid jobs available – from designing better prosthetics to building the infrastructure for cleaner and cheaper energy.
With salaries about 30% higher than average, these jobs are a good bet for the next generation. Yet businesses are struggling to recruit. So how can we fix this and help young people to benefit from the jobs boom?
As workforce shortages bite, firms are branching out. For instance, some are using specially designed computer games to identify candidates with potential, rather than just looking at qualifications.
As well as recruiting these areas, employers are keen to grow their workforces by attracting people from all walks of life.
Evidence shows nurturing more diverse workforces enhances productivity, innovation and creativity, for instance, by enabling designers to understand a greater range of customer needs.
Additionally, vocational and technical qualifications are given just as much value as academic ones. Unfortunately, our research shows too many young people are unaware of the fantastic, wide-ranging opportunities in think these jobs are not for “people like me”.
Parents, carers and teachers may also underestimate the availability and breadth of jobs available. It’s unsurprising that many students don’t know much, given engineering is barely covered in the curriculum.
And our own research with more than 7,000 youngsters found interest in learning science is declining. The findings also revealed a steep drop in hands-on practical science being taught in Britain’s classrooms.
These may be linked, given students invariably say they find practical work really engaging and inspiring. EngineeringUK is a charity that wants to make sure all young people understand the scope of these fields. We work with businesses, schools and colleges to fill some of the gaps in the education and careers system.
We develop and deliver a range of activities, such as our free Climate Schools Programme, which goes beyond the curriculum and promotes career paths in industries aiming to clean up the planet. But for real change, the Department for Education must really buy in to its responsibility to build the country’s future workforce.
We hope the Government’s current curriculum and assessment review leads to changes that better equip young people with the skills and motivation to access jobs in engineering and technology. This includes more hands-on learning, a greater focus on digital skills and showcasing the importance and availability of STEM jobs.
Of course, the severe longterm shortage of maths, physics, computer science and design and technology teachers also need to be addressed. The Government has promised to recruit more teachers, but at the same time made swingeing cuts to STEM teachers’ continuous professional development, which not only improves teaching quality but also significantly improves teacher retention.
These short-sighted cuts simply must be reversed. Employers too have a role to play in helping young people understand what a future STEM career could mean for them.
EngineeringUK works with some fantastic businesses which recognise the importance of visiting schools, taking part in career fairs and offering work experience placements.
Research shows engagement of this kind draws students towards sectors with higher vacancy rates more effectively. Now is the time for the Government to develop the right strategic approach, take the urgent action needed and make long-term investments to deliver the engineering and technology workforce that will strengthen the economy and provide meaningful employment for the next generation.
Dr Hilary Leevers is chief executive of EngineeringUK. Visit EngineeringUK.com for more details