Why do we need more students to study STEM subjects?
Education has many benefits, but one of its main aims is to prepare children and young people to become employable adults with skills that will benefit them and society. By the time students leave school, they should have developed skills, knowledge and behaviours to contribute successfully in the workplace. To develop new ways of living sustainable lives within the planet's resources, we need a workforce that can think creatively about scientific and technological issues.
However, over the last 20 years, young people have shown less interest in studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at schools, colleges and universities – but we need scientists, engineers and innovative technologists to help solve the problems of the future.
The CBI estimates that the UK will need 2.4 million more people working in scientific jobs by 2014. Richard Lambert of the CBI says that stereotypes surrounding science need to change.
He is quoted as having said:
"Employers are increasingly worried about the long-term decline in numbers studying A-level physics, chemistry and maths and the knock-on effect on these subjects and engineering at university.
They see, at first hand, the young people who leave school and university looking for a job and compare them to what they need and increasingly are looking overseas for graduates."
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