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Education key topics

Addressing key topics within the education and skills sector.

Please note that education related factfiles such as Transforming Engineering Education can now be found in the factfiles section of the IET website.

Education and skills factfiles

Redressing skills shortages in the engineering and technology sectors requires a robust education and skills system.

Qualifications and the curriculum

  • Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) should be given a key position in the curriculum.
  • STEM education should be challenging and engaging, relevant to ‘real life’ and with a high degree of practical content.
  • Whilst some teething problems are to be expected with any new qualification, the Engineering Diploma is a welcome addition to the curriculum which places engineering at the heart of school curricula for the first time.
  • The Engineering Diploma must receive continued support from government, industry and the engineering community.

Quality of teaching

  • Students must be taught STEM by teachers with appropriate subject qualifications.
  • Education in engineering benefits when students are able to interact with individuals working in industry or with recent experience in industry.

Improve the image of STEM

  • Improving the image of STEM is extremely important, but there is no quick fix. 
  • Many organisations including the IET are working hard to improve the image of STEM, but continued co-ordinated support from government and across the “STEM Community” is essential.

Careers guidance and information about STEM careers

  • High quality careers education and guidance must be widely available so that young people have the opportunity to learn about the exciting career opportunities in STEM sectors and in engineering in particular.
  • Many organisations including the IET are working hard to increase availability of high quality careers guidance and information about STEM careers.
  • Government must ensure that state provision of careers education and guidance improves significantly.

IET Skills Survey

  • The IET carries out an annual skills survey to gauge the state of skills in the engineering and technology sectors.
  • The 2009 survey clearly shows the impact of the recession, with a fall in recruitment and some easing of engineering skills shortages.
  • However skills shortages are likely to return as the economy recovers.