Arthur Mellows Village College

Delivering learning for life within an aspirational culture

STEM

What is STEM education?

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is important because it pervades every part of our lives. Science is everywhere in the world around us. Technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives. Engineering is the basic designs of roads and bridges, but also tackles the challenges of changing global weather and environmentally-friendly changes to our home. Mathematics is in every occupation, every activity we do in our lives. By exposing students to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, they will develop a passion for it and hopefully pursue a job in a STEM field.

Why is STEM important?

A new report shows science and tech jobs will grow twice as fast as other occupations.

Furthermore, a new study; ‘Jobs of the Future’, reveals that science, research, engineering and technology jobs will grow at double the rate of other occupations.  This is likely to create 142,000 extra jobs between now and 2023.

The study from the Social Market Foundation (SMF) was commissioned by EDF Energy, as part of its “Pretty Curious” programme to inspire more girls to consider science and technology careers.  To coincide EDF Energy has today launched a new virtual reality film to help girls see successful women at work in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related careers.

The study found:

  • JOBS OF THE FUTURE: There will be 142,000 new jobs in science, research, engineering and technology from now to 2023
  • RAPID RISE:  Jobs in science, research, engineering and technology fields will grow twice as fast as other careers (6% vs 3%), driven by factors including the pace of infrastructure investment and digital innovation
  • SKILLS SHORTAGE:  Current figures show there will be a shortfall in the number of graduates and apprentices available to fill these roles. For example, there will be a 40% shortfall in engineering2
  • GENDER GAP NEEDS TO NARROW: Getting more girls to consider these careers is essential to the success of UK industrial strategy – currently women are less than a quarter of the workforce in four of the five most in-demand industries.  Encouraging girls into science critical to filling future skills gap and boosting benefit of growth to the UK
  • FUTURE JOBS INCLUDE: Computer coders; Geotechnical Design Engineers; Intelligence Consultants; Robotics Engineers; Data Scientists 

Useful information

    A Parents’ Guide to STEM

    Ingenious - A Parents’ Guide to Careers in STEM

    A Parents’ Guide to Careers in Engineering

    A Parents’ Guide to Engineering Careers