STEM sell

Your article 'Light in the gloom?' pointed out the effect the government's STEM courses investment programme has had on attracting students (Online leader).

It is ironic that on the one hand the government is spending so much trying to encourage young people to do STEM courses, and on the other is withdrawing funding for the majority of students studying for a qualification that is equivalent or lower than one already achieved.

This move will effectively discourage many people from re-training as engineers or scientists, or continuing their professional development, much to the detriment of industry.

Simon Wilson, by email