A new report calls on government to invest £40 million in improving access to careers provision for students in schools and colleges in England to enable more young people to understand the opportunities available in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers and so support the drive to build back better and ’level up’ across the UK in a post-Covid world.  

‘Securing the future’, a joint report by EngineeringUK and 7 engineering and careers organisations published yesterday argues that while STEM careers provision is essential to inform and inspire young people irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background or other characteristics about careers in STEM, Covid-19 has made delivering that careers provision in schools and colleges more difficult.

The series of recommendations are based on a research survey conducted with 200 careers leaders and STEM teachers in secondary schools.

In response, Charlie Nicklin, CEO of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) said:

“IAgrE fully supports this call on investment into education. With a growing population sustainable food production has never been so important. The agricultural and land-based sector need young people from all walks of life to engage in careers in our industry.

"Using Agriculture as a key element in teaching STEM subjects can help with engaging children early on in their education and make them more aware of the exciting careers available in agriculture and associated industries. Schools and colleges have been starved of funding for many years and our land-based FE colleges know this more than most.  It’s essential the educational establishments get the necessary funding to provide good quality careers advice on what STEM based careers can offer.”

IAgrE is the professional body for scientists, technologists, engineers, academics, managers and students working in the land-based sector.