Students evade STEM subjects

London - Students are not choosing science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects because they are seen as too difficult, unaspirational and unsexy, according to careers advisors.

The advisors were speaking at a recent Careers Research Advisory Council (CRAC) conference in Lancaster. Attendees at the ‘Decisions at 18’ conference went on to identify the need for more inspirational role models, projects and teaching to get young people motivated by STEM subjects.

Catherine Teague, senior executive for careers at the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB), speaking at the Opportunities from Science, Maths and Engineering Workshop, said: “What we have heard here today resonates strongly with what a lot of careers advisors have been telling us - we need to keep getting the message across to young people that, far from being dull or limiting, STEM subjects are fun, relevant and ever more present in every part of our daily lives.”

She added: “There is a clear consensus building around the need to provide young people with the right combination of good teaching, coupled with access to inspirational STEM activities and informed careers advice, especially to young girls, to encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers to come forward.”
The ETB engiunity careers resource pack and website aims to support this process by providing accurate and concise details about careers in engineering and technology for young people, teachers and advisers.