Advancing STEM careers provision in England
Advancing STEM Careers Provision in England
Key lessons and opportunities
Publication date
24 September 2024
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What's covered
This report reviews the current state of STEM careers provision in schools and colleges across England, highlighting key developments since 2021.
Who this is for
- Schools and colleges
- STEM employers
- Policymakers
- Careers Leaders
- Careers education organisations
Key findings
- Careers Leadership: 91% of schools have a designated Careers Leader, but only 22% are given a full week to focus on careers
- STEM Engagement: 65% of schools now reference STEM careers in their programmes but only 43% of young people took part in STEM activities, and just 15% of work-experience-aged students had STEM-related placements.
- Work Experience: 43% of schools need more practical support in finding quality STEM placements.
- Funding & Staffing: 46% of schools cited funding as a major barrier to STEM provision, while 56% pointed to insufficient staff time.
- Employer Engagement: Only 57% of schools engage with STEM employers annually, limiting real-world exposure for students.
- Participation Gaps: Female students, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and SEND students are less likely to engage in STEM. Lack of visible role models remains a key barrier.
Quotes
"STEM careers provision is key to inspiring the next generation of engineers and technologists, ensuring the UK’s workforce is equipped to meet the future demands of the economy."
– Dr Hilary Leevers, CEO, EngineeringUK
Background info
This report is the third in a series exploring STEM careers provision in England, following the “Our careers, our future: STEM careers provision and young people” published in 2020 and "Securing the future: careers provision in schools and colleges in England" report published in 2021.
It reflects data from almost 200 schools and colleges, offering insights into how careers provision has evolved and where more work is needed.