STEM subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math are no longer just for gifted students, as opportunities have expanded. The STEM sector currently employs 20% of the UK workforce and that number is projected to grow. However, the UK is not producing enough STEM graduates to meet future demand and could face a shortfall of 80,000 STEM workers in the next two years. While universities play a role, STEM careers also include skilled technicians who are vital to UK businesses. Major companies recognize STEM potential in all students and encourage exploration of STEM opportunities regardless of academic achievement.

1. WHO SHOULD
STUDY STEM
SUBJECTS?

2. STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and
maths – are changing and they’re changing fast.
STEM opportunities are no longer restricted to gifted
and talented pupils, STEM clubs are more
mainstream; and even studying STEM at university is
becoming more accessible.
But just who is STEM aimed at…?

3. IMPACT OF STEM EDUCATION
In 2011 ‘The current and future UK science workforce’ paper produced for
the Science Council found 5.8 million people were employed in the science
sector, which equates to 20% of the UK workforce, ranging from
construction and ICT to health and education.
The report projects that there will be over 7 million people employed in
science based employment by 2030. However, this projection relies on
qualified employees being available.
STEM qualifications being achieved at the current rate estimates a shortfall
of 80,000 workers in the STEM employment sector within the next two years.
This information was provided by Semta – the sector skills council for
science, engineering and manufacturing technologies.

4. QUALIFICATIONS IN THE STEM SECTOR
At this moment in time we’re not producing enough STEM
graduates in the UK, although trends are indicating an uptake of
STEM subjects at University.
Greater awareness is being raised within education to provide
better information to pupils when picking their options for A-
levels and researching university degrees.

5. It’s also easy to forget to provide information on STEM careers to those not
intending to apply for University. The Russell Group of Universities produced a
report in February 2009 with the following statement:
‘To support the UK’s ambition to move to a higher level of research and
development intensity, it is crucial to ensure that the UK has the right stock and
flow of skilled scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, as well as
technicians and other support staff, generated from within the UK.’
‘A highly skilled, diverse workforce will contribute to business productivity and
innovation, enabling UK businesses to exploit fully new technologies and
scientific discoveries, achieve world-class standards and compete globally.’
This report recognises that not every STEM worker has to be a graduate, and the
importance of skilled technicians is equally vital for UK based businesses to
succeed.

6. WHO WORKS IN STEM?
Many manufacturers rely on a STEM qualified workforce to maintain
their status as leading manufacturers in the UK and nationally.
STEM careers not only include the designers and engineers that design
the next jet engines or nuclear submarines, but also the technicians that
install the fan blades and the electricians fitting the wiring.
Rolls Royce itself offers practical apprenticeships to pupils with a
minimum of 4 GCSE’s grades D and above. Similarly BAE systems have
a minimum requirement is 5 GCSE’s grade D and above.

7. WHO SHOULD STUDY STEM?
If STEM industry giants such as these recognise the STEM potential in the
average person, surely it’s time we gave the information and opportunities to
everybody.
Every child should be able explore the opportunities surrounding STEM while
having fun and making friends.
Coding clubs are enjoyable for children of all ages as they get to create their own
video games while learning. STEM summer camps give children the opportunity
to study STEM outside of the classroom to see how it impacts of the world
around them.
Remember children that love biology but don’t achieve as well in maths could be
providing basic medical care to you when you are elderly, while practical
learners could be welding engines onto fuselages in the future.
Just ask any science or technology teacher – without the technicians, nothing
works!

8. FIND OUT MORE
Find out more about Manic Science on our website:
http://manicscience.com