Pandemic response boosts desirability of STEM careers

News

The Covid-19 pandemic has refocussed young minds and has prompted many to consider a future career in a STEM-related field.

According to research carried out by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the efforts of NHS workers and engineers to counter Covid-19 have prompted 63 per cent of 10-18 year olds to consider a career in medicine and 52 per cent of children to consider a career in engineering after witnessing the agility of engineers in delivering ventilators and temporary critical care hospitals.

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According to IET’s research, 82 per cent of the young people surveyed believe science should play a greater role in government decisions, and 13-year-olds in particular (49 per cent) strongly agreeing this is necessary.

In a statement, Ying Wan Loh, IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year, said: “The results from this new research are really positive. Despite the extremely challenging time the UK has faced over the last few months, it’s really encouraging to know that young people have been inspired by those working in STEM during the pandemic and are now considering careers in these fields.”

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