Last summer David Willetts, the Science Minister, announced a £52 million investment in new and emerging science talent, creating more than 7,800 education and skills opportunities over a two-year period. But new research published today by IP EXPO Europe, reveals that UK IT professionals want the Government to do more to encourage people into STEM professions.
The Government’s investment in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professions promises to deliver 1,360 apprenticeships, 240 traineeships, 150 Industry Degrees, 230 Modular Masters Modules, 5,900 workforce development opportunities, and a cross-sectoral proposal to attract young people into STEM jobs, over two years.
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Despite this, three-quarters (75%) of UK IT professionals say the Government needs to do more to entice students and young people into these jobs.
Bradley Maule-ffinch, IP EXPO Europe’s director of strategy, says: “It’s disappointing that businesses don’t feel the Government is spending enough on STEM initiatives. These jobs are high in demand and vital in boosting the UK economy so the Government must do more to boost recruitment into these professions.”
[quote_box_center]Mark Morrissey, Director of Education Programs at Cloudera, an exhibitor at this year’s IP EXPO Europe, says:
“There is increased competition to recruit technical talent that inhibits the market growth of several new, disruptive technologies,” says Mark Morrissey, senior director of education for Cloudera. “Government, industry, and academia need to find avenues of collaboration to highlight the benefits of an IT related education, and help provide access to the training necessary to pursue STEM related careers.” [/quote_box_center]
Nine in 10 (86%) of IT professionals in the East Midlands say the Government needs to increase its spend on STEM initiatives, followed by 83% in Wales and 71% of respondents in Northern Ireland. Respondents in the North East were the least critical of the Government’s investment in STEM, with nearly a quarter (23%) saying they feel the Government is doing enough to close the STEM skills gap.
IP EXPO Europe, taking place on 7-8 October at London’s ExCel, will serve as a venue for business, government and academia to work together to find solutions to the STEM skills challenge. The event will also explore how businesses are transforming as a result of the latest technological developments, and the macro and microeconomic opportunities and challenges businesses are facing in their journey to digital transformation. For further information, or to register FREE, visit: http://www.ipexpoeurope.com/.