Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sectors are struggling to attract school leavers and the industries are seeking solutions to their ongoing skill gaps. During research by MathWorks, STEM professionals were asked whether students are being targeted too late to develop a love of STEM subjects?
The response was affirmative; half of respondents believe students need to be encouraged towards these sectors much younger than is conventional: at primary school. When asked to consider their own experiences; 40 per cent said they were inspired to love the subjects by their families and 19 per cent knew they wanted to follow a STEM profession by the time they were 10 years old; 46 per cent had made the decision by 16.
Most respondents agreed that the emphasis for turning out future STEM professionals shouldn’t be placed on educators alone and that families and the industry should take on a greater responsibility. In terms of what the STEM industry could do, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) said employers should be hosting school visits – while 56 per cent also believe they should be funding projects at schools.
