World STEM Day: Our CEO Severine Trouillet on making STEM accessible to all
Having joined STEM Learning as the new CEO last summer, I have come to realise the need to articulate why equity of access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education will help the UK grow sustainably. STEM skills are essential for the country’s productivity and a lack of them in the workforce is a key economic and societal problem, impeding the fulfilment of wider goals such as energy transition and net zero.
It is therefore essential to inspire the next generation by making STEM accessible for all, enabling young people to grow and enjoy exciting opportunities to thrive.
A report by Dell Technologies and the Institute For The Future (IFTF) states that 85 per cent of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven't been invented yet. This pace of change will have an impact on the skills young people need to acquire to adapt. It will also mean that the pool of STEM talents will have to be much broader, diverse and inclusive.
Many young people I talk to, who have not been exposed to STEM careers or role models within their community or school, come to the same conclusion: ‘I can’t be what I can’t see’ – This is where our amazing STEM Ambassadors can make a difference. They are volunteers from across industry, bringing the teaching of STEM subjects alive with real-life examples of industry careers, facilitating an invaluable link between schools and industry (as well as contributing to teachers’ awareness and development). These activities positively influence attitudes to STEM and the likelihood of students pursuing STEM careers and/or research in the future. 93% of teachers say that engaging with Ambassadors improves their students’ awareness that anybody could have a career in STEM, and 94% say it improves students’ career aspirations in STEM.
Darrel Njogu, who’s an Aerospace Engineer and STEM Ambassador, said: “You might not get to see it, but as a STEM Ambassador you could change a child’s perspective. They could remember something you’ve said which could change everything. You’ve given them that nugget which leads to inspiration to continue. It ignites that flame.”
Our 30,000 STEM Ambassadors embody this diversity even if we need even more. 48% are women, 54% under 35 and 17% from ethnic minorities and all are inspiring children from every background to explore STEM and consider the diverse range of careers in STEM, research and innovation.
Watch Severine's full interview with ITN Business for the STEM: Access for all campaign here.
