Inspiring & Attracting the Next Generation of STEM Graduates

The STEM sector is vital to the UK economy. Research has revealed that the engineering sector alone generates up to an estimated ￡645bn GVA to the UK’s economy annually, equivalent to 32% of the country’s economic output. For continued economic growth it’s essential that we have a sustainable talent pipeline. This article looks at resources for businesses to inspire and provide opportunities for the next generation of STEM professionals.

Engaging young people is beneficial for you and your business, whether it is through online or in-person events, your website or via work experience. It encourages more female students, builds a diverse workforce and gives current employees new experiences and development opportunities as mentors.?

Free STEM Resources?

There is a fantastic range of quality resources that can be used alongside the STEM activities being delivered in schools. The National STEM Centre website hosts a huge range of STEM resources for both employers and teachers. They have developed a programme for 14-16 year olds which contains resources and materials to help students engage in STEM subjects.?

Tomorrow’s Engineers, led by EngineeringUK, brings together resources to support practitioners in getting the most out of their engagement activity. This includes guidance on ensuring your activity is accessible to all young people, resources to support you in presenting a compelling picture of engineering careers, considerations when running virtual events and suggestions on how best to evaluate your activity with young people to help you learn more about what works.

For your own children or family, there’s also Catalyst magazine which is available freely online through the National STEM Centre. This topical science magazine for students aged 14-19 years brings science to life with insights into cutting-edge research and practical applications.?

Guidance To Help You Promote STEM Careers To Female Students

There is a wealth of expert guidance that has been produced to help employers engage specifically with female students. The WISE: Women in Science and Engineering campaign website contains a number of reports on language and communication strategies that effectively inspire female students.?

Another place to visit is the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) website. Their ‘Positive Action’ – how to attract more women as employees’ guide is particularly helpful to employers and future workplace diversity.?

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance), WISE and the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) have produced a toolkit that shares best practise, expertise and case studies. It covers how to attract, engage, support and retain women in STEM apprenticeships.

Good Practice

Other ways you can attract the next generation of talent:

• Showcase your talent – Research has proven that successful STEM role models help with young peoples understanding of STEM as well as inspiring and increasing the number of STEM graduates.
• Provide opportunity - To be successful in today’s world, education is often not enough; young people typically need relevant work experience to get a job as an apprentice or at graduate level. Work experience gives students an insight into your business, enabling them to put relevant experience on their CV.
• It is also worth highlighting Take your Sons and Daughters to Work Day, which encourages employees to bring their 14-16 year olds into their companies for one day. Next year this is on the 25th April.

MD Comment

STEM skills are vital to the prosperity of the UK and never more so as we navigate turbulent geo-political times. After decades of under-funding and under-promotion from successive UK governments it appears STEM skills are experiencing a renaissance with politicians and industry leaders pushing hard to improve uptake with younger generations. Is it working? Research suggests it may well be, however the rate of improvement is slow and behind the curve compared to many leading and developing economies. Perhaps the time has come for the government to put their weight behind STEM skills and invest in significant financial incentives direct to STEM apprentices and under-graduates?