Growth in STEM applications

Responding to the figures published by UCAS, EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation believes that, given the relentless emphasis placed on STEM graduates by emerging nations such as China and India, it is essential that the UK increases the numbers of students emerging from University science and engineering related degrees. EEF believes this will ensure the UK remains a high value economy with the necessary supply of skills to drive breakthroughs in science and innovation. It will also bring the following additional benefits: - It starts the "virtuous circle" which leads to greater numbers of qualified teachers of these subjects in secondary schools - Engineering and manufacturing employers benefit from a wider pool of potential recruits. - Greater numbers of people qualified in science and engineering is good for the economy as a whole as these graduates are employed in a wide variety of roles. EEF believes that the increase could be partly attributed to the impact of higher tuition fees, which is leading students to be more focused on subjects that can demonstrate a good return on their investment. Furthermore, it may well be reward for industry’s long standing work to promote careers in engineering and manufacturing, as well as a reflection of a turnaround in the sectors image. Commenting, EEF Director General, Martin Temple, said: “These figures give cause for optimism that the campaign to reverse the decline in science and engineering graduates may be bearing fruit. However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels given the relentless manner in which our competitors are producing graduates of increasing quality. “As a nation our future is tied to our knowledge base and the focus on innovation. We must make sure that all young people are aware of the benefits, both financial and personal, that a technology related degree can bring, to ensure we have the supply of higher level skills that the economy needs.”