How to increase STEM vocations

Young people no longer want to be scientists? numbers talk... Spain is far behind Europe in STEM university graduates

?According to Randstad Research there are 10,000 non covered vacancies in the Spanish labor market within the technology sector due to lack of qualifications.

At the same time, according to data provided by the Ministry of Education, between 2010 and 2020, enrollment in engineering studies decreased by 30% in Spain, in absolute terms. We are talking about more than 79,000 professionals. The forecast is that over the next five years STEM graduates will decline at an annual rate of 3.3%.

As a professor and student mentor actively work towards breaking down barriers that hinder individuals from pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Here are some strategies to encourage and inspire more people to consider STEM vocations:

• Early Exposure: Introducing children to STEM concepts at an early age fosters curiosity and interest. Encouraging hands-on learning experiences through experiments and projects can help make STEM subjects more accessible and engaging, MIT-Spain Teaching Labs are specifically designed to address this point.
• Promote Diversity and Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds is key to increasing participation in STEM fields. Highlighting the contributions of underrepresented groups in STEM can inspire a wider range of individuals to pursue careers in these areas.
• Mentorship and Support: Providing mentorship and support programs for students interested in STEM can help them navigate challenges and build confidence in their abilities. Mentors can offer guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights into the opportunities available in STEM careers.
• Real-world Applications: Demonstrating the real-world impact of STEM disciplines can help individuals connect their interests to potential career paths. Showing how STEM skills are utilized in solving pressing global challenges can motivate individuals to consider STEM vocations.
• Addressing Stereotypes and Biases: Encouraging conversations about stereotypes and biases in STEM fields is crucial for creating a more inclusive environment. Challenging preconceived notions and promoting a culture of respect and acceptance can help dismantle barriers to entry in STEM.
• Providing Resources and Opportunities: Ensuring access to resources such as scholarships, internships, and networking opportunities can help individuals pursue pathways in STEM fields. Collaboration with industry partners and academic institutions can create avenues for experiential learning and professional development.

By implementing these strategies and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we can inspire more individuals to explore and pursue careers in STEM fields. Together, we can work towards a future where diverse voices and perspectives contribute to innovative solutions and advancements in science and technology.

The shortage of professionals with advanced STEM knowledge hinders the country's growth prospects and limits productivity, especially for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). It is striking how little attention this issue has received in the Spanish political debate. The level of training and development of human capital today determines the chances of competing in tomorrow’s global technological race.

Prof. Jose Maria Cervera Casanovas