A government study in 2023 found that women make up just a third of the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workforce in the UK.
This figure is still staggeringly low despite more girls starting STEM A Levels than ever. Gender stereotypes, fewer role models, and limited access to early career information from primary school age continue to add to the issue.
Yet, STEM industries are working hard to recruit a more diverse workforce and fill massive skills shortages. The sector is booming with opportunities available for the right talent.
That means there’s never been a better time for young women to choose STEM as a worthwhile career, and here’s why…..
Surplus STEM jobs
Demand for specialist STEM skills will only increase as the world looks to tackle growing challenges like global warming and reaching Net Zero. As a result, the number of STEM jobs is set to increase along with even better rates of pay.
This trend of demand outstripping talent means the need for sector professionals is only set to grow. So, explain to your teenager or young adult how this is an excellent time for women to get into the field and secure a terrific job.
Earn more money
Not only is STEM a fascinating and safe career pathway, but it’s also often well paid. It is considered a “wealth generator”, which is why governments and industry pay so much attention to current skills shortages.
Some of the top paying jobs in STEM include nuclear, chemical, software, and robotics engineers, as well as senior biologists and environmental scientists. These could be great career options for the next generation of female industry specialists.
Diversity boosts innovation
Recruiting more women into STEM doesn’t just help with skills shortages. The industry needs varied viewpoints for better products and solutions. The more perspectives and types of people, the better the results.
A team of problem-solvers is important in science and technology, so a range of expertise can enhance that team further. Make it clear to your young women how important their views and ideas will be in influencing the STEM industry of the future.
Make the world better
One of the biggest appeals of STEM is that it can and does change the world every day. Many women have been responsible for some of the most significant scientific discoveries in history.
From mathematician Ada Lovelace, who developed the idea for a computing machine (in the 1800s!), to Rosalind Franklin, whose work was central to understanding the structures of DNA in the 1950s, women will continue to be celebrated for their phenomenal work.
Explore tech opportunities
According to data from WISE (Women into Science and Engineering), there has been a substantial growth in students choosing to take Computing at A Level since 2013. However, this is still weighted towards male students.
Yet, looking at the data by gender over the same period, the percentage of female students has risen from 6.5% to 15.1% over ten years, showing good progress. There is still a long way to go for equality, but your daughter could become one of a growing number of female tech professionals leading an extremely dynamic industry.
Varied post-16 STEM routes
Understandably, some young people may worry about how their peers judge them when picking certain subjects. Parents need to listen to legitimate concerns and help to reassure and guide young women to useful careers information.
It's also important to remember that there are lots of vocational post-16 options, as well as GCSEs, A Levels, and degrees. Why not research other further and higher education choices, including STEM apprenticeships, internships, and training schemes.
Empowering young women
You can help shape your daughter’s interests and aspirations by championing change and pushing back gender stereotypes. A nurturing home environment could help your young daughter to feel able to explore a passion for STEM.
Creating a more diverse workplace will be crucial for promoting inclusion in STEM and building a more supportive environment for women. Your influence and support to boost STEM as a career path could, in turn, help to reduce challenges such as the gender pay gap and drive female innovation in the STEM sector.
