South East: Teachers' lack of knowledge discouraging young people from STEM
As students across the South East received their exam results, thousands could be missing out on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) because teachers do not feel they have enough knowledge of careers within these sectors, according to new research by British Gas owner Centrica, Britain’s largest energy and services company.
According to the independent survey, nine in 10 students in the South East said they are influenced by teachers when it comes to deciding what to do after leaving school. However, nearly a third (31%) of teachers do not feel adequately informed about all the different options that are available to students, with more than a quarter (27%) confessing they do not feel confident in their understanding of careers in STEM despite the widely reported STEM skills shortage.
With some teachers not feeling well-versed to guide students down the STEM path, it is not surprising that two-fifths (40%) of students surveyed in the South East feel under-informed about STEM careers.
The research highlights a gender gap is prevalent among students. More than two-thirds of girls (67%) said that STEM careers were not for them, versus a third of boys. When asked, half of all students surveyed in the South East could not think of any female role models in STEM.
The route into a STEM career is also seen as a challenge with nearly a quarter (24%) of students believing it is difficult to get into and requiring high academic achievement. More than half of teachers (54%) surveyed also believe this to be the case, despite a number of routes offered into a STEM career through apprenticeships.
Teachers say business should be doing more to close the knowledge gap. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of teachers said they would like more information, training and guidance from business about STEM careers. More than half of teachers surveyed specifically requested that businesses come into schools in the South East to give careers talks.
Catherine O’Kelly, industry development director at British Gas, commented on the survey findings: “There’s a clear role and need for business to provide more support so that both teachers and students have a better understanding of the exciting options that are available through STEM careers.
“Innovation and technology are at the heart of our business and is part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. We should encourage students, especially young women who are less confident about pursuing STEM careers, to explore the varied routes into the profession which range from apprenticeships to degrees, and are open to all.”
