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STEM: Bridging the gap between school and industry

Over half of UK science and maths teachers and tutors do not know what STEM businesses are looking for in recruits, says new research by Nestle. This comes as no surprise given the incredible demands on teachers’ time. Keeping up with all the latest industry developments, career options, study paths and education policy is a tall order, and yet if the UK is to fill the many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) sector vacancies forecast in the coming decades, it is vital that schools are able to accurately inform and advise students considering a future in any of these areas.

The Arkwright Scholarships Trust is an organisation that provides mentoring and support to gifted ‘A’ level STEM students. Its Chief Executive, Dr. Martin Thomas notes the disconnect between what is taught in schools and what is needed by industry: “Employers tell us they lack applicants who are not only academically well-informed, but who understand how to practically apply their knowledge in the ‘real world’.”

Teachers may not be aware of some of the less known career paths available to students, including some which are crying out for STEM qualified applicants. For example, at any one time there are around 200 science degree-requiring vacancies left unfilled in the chilled food industry – yet it’s a sector that might not be an obvious choice.

“The UK’s £11bn chilled prepared food industry offers rewarding careers for food scientists and technologists,” says Kaarin Goodburn, MBE, Director of the Chilled Food Association. “STEM subjects are the key ingredients in the academic mix students need to take advantage of those opportunities.”

STEMtech, an organisation which manages a number of STEM initiatives, including conferences and careers events has this month launched a new magazine for teachers which will provide insights into the huge variety of career opportunities available to today’s STEM students, as well as the latest developments in STEM education, opinion and inspiration for STEM teachers.

Tina Lucas, Founder and CEO of STEMtech, says: “There is so much happening in STEM at the moment that it can be hard to keep up. It is critical for teachers to stay informed about what is happening in the wider STEM world, including not just further education but also in STEM related careers, industries and of course government policy, which affects all of these areas. We have found through organising our careers events and annual education conference that there is a need for more linked-up thinking with STEM and we hope that our new magazine will prove a useful resource for anyone involved in STEM education.”

STEMtech Educator is published once a term. Subscribe for free at: http://eepurl.com/52LaD

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Helen Culwick .