Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sectors are struggling to attract school leavers and the industries are seeking solutions to their ongoing skill gaps. During research by MathWorks, STEM professionals were asked whether students are being targeted too late to develop a love of STEM subjects?  The response was affirmative; half of respondents believe students need to be encouraged towards these sectors much younger than is conventional: at primary school. When asked to consider their own experiences; 40 per cent said they were inspired to love the subjects by their families and 19 per cent knew they wanted to follow a STEM profession by the time they were 10 years old; 46 per cent had made the decision by 16.

Questions then turned to who should do the encouraging. While, typically, this is expected to be the responsibility of the education system, a third of those surveyed claim that school encouragement wasn’t important in their decision to enter into their chosen occupation. And, despite half saying that the teaching of STEM related subjects has improved since they were in school, 38 per cent argue schools aren’t producing people with the skills that society needs.

Most respondents agreed that the emphasis for turning out future STEM professionals shouldn’t be placed on educators alone and that families and the industry should take on a greater responsibility. Of those questioned, 60 per cent fostered their love of STEM outside of the classroom, having enjoyed extra-curricular activities like the Science Museum with their family. In terms of what the STEM industry could do, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) said employers should be hosting school visits – while 56 per cent also believe they should be funding projects at schools.

MathWorks is a major sponsor of Mathematics: The Winton Gallery which opened at the Science Museum in London on 8th December. The pioneering new gallery explores how mathematicians, their tools and ideas have helped to shape the modern world over the last four hundred years. Mathematics: The Winton Gallery will place mathematics at the heart of all our lives, bringing the subject to life through remarkable stories, artefacts and design.

For more about MathWorks, please visit http://uk.mathworks.com/