IET comments on GCSE results

“We have however seen a drop in the uptake of those taking Engineering, DT and ICT at GCSE, which shows that work still needs to be done to promote these courses and the options that they provide for studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) at the next stage and taking up STEM careers.

“We know that the appetite for studying and working in STEM is there from young people – what we feel is missing is the focus on how studying these subjects applies to their future ambitions, such as careers in STEM.

The country needs more people studying engineering subjects at university and taking up apprenticeships and that has to start with uptake at GSCE level.

“We are currently advocating to Government that a broad and balanced education for all young people is fundamental to the formation of future engineers, ensuring they have a rounded knowledge and skills required for engineering a better world for us all.

For us, until engineering is recognised more widely within primary and secondary education, we won’t make enough progress.”

For more information about the range of support and options available to students through the IET, visit the Students section of the IET website.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

About the IET

• We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world.
• We are a diverse home for engineering and technology intelligence throughout the world. This breadth and depth mean we are uniquely placed to help the sector progress society.
• We want to build the profile of engineering and technology to change outdated perceptions and tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.
• Interview opportunities are available with our spokespeople from a range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and diversity in engineering.
• For more information, visit www.theiet.org
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Media enquiries to:

Rebecca Gillick
External Communications Manager
E: rgillick@theiet.org