Helping schools explain routes into engineering and technology
We are proud to launch a new STEM careers pathways poster for schools. This resource is set out to help teachers and Careers Leaders explain the different routes young people can take into engineering and technology careers.
Designed for classrooms and careers spaces, the poster gives a clear, visual overview of technical and academic pathways. It includes GCSEs, T Levels, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications and higher education, helping students see that there’s more than one way into engineering and technology.
Guidance makes a difference
Our research shows that guidance on routes really matters. For example:
- young people interested in an engineering career are more likely to prefer a technical or vocational route (36%) than a university route (28%)
- 53% of STEM teachers feel confident advising students about technical pathways into engineering
- parents’ self-reported knowledge is strongest for degrees (42% “know a lot”) and lowest for T Levels (5% “know a lot”)
- more than half of parents (55%) say they are not confident discussing engineering careers with their child
Use the poster in your outreach
The poster can also support employers engaging with schools, particularly by:
- raising awareness of technical routes into engineering and technology
- reinforcing inclusive messaging by valuing non-academic pathways
- supporting employer-backed routes, including apprenticeships and T Levels
The poster is part of our wider work to improve careers education, address skills shortages, and broaden participation in engineering and technology. It's free for schools to download and display, making it easy to use in careers conversations and to share with parents and carers.
Download the poster on EUK Education
