Careers Guidance in STEM in UK – More than half of 14 to 16-year-olds interested knew very little about these jobs

While enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and maths, remains high among school pupils, lack of careers guidance means few young people continue into industry. 

Britain is facing a skills “crisis” as not enough is being done to encourage young people into STEM related careers, despite there being enthusiasm for the subjects, according to new research.

The study, carried out by Nestlé UK & Ireland, suggests that nearly four out of five 14 to 16-year-olds would consider a career in a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related industry, but more than half of those surveyed admitted that they knew very little about the type of jobs on offer.

Many science and maths teachers also admitted that they felt in the dark about careers within the industry, with 52 per cent of those surveyed saying that they do not know what STEM-related businesses are looking for in new employees.

The survey revealed that 62 per cent of UK businesses feel that Britain is facing a worrying skills gap in the industry with the current number of recruits failing to meet future demand.

Furthermore, 67 per cent of STEM employers said there had been little improvement in the situation over the past five years, while 34 per cent said they felt the situation had in fact worsened.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at Poor careers advice failing to address STEM skills ‘crisis’ – Telegraph.