What does STEM stand for?

The acronym ‘STEM’ stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It’s sometimes written as ‘STEMM’ to include Medicine too.

STEM, like the ‘The Arts’, is an umbrella term, grouping several fields of study. A large number of subjects fall under the STEM umbrella, including:

An infographic listing a range of STEM subjects within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

You might have heard the term STEM when talking about curriculum choices in school or career fields in the working world. People also use it for researching and monitoring trends, such as the number of women (or other marginalised groups) entering these frequently male-dominated fields.

What is STEM education?

STEM Education is an approach to learning that integrates the study of science, technology, engineering and maths, with real-world applications. STEM classrooms typically focus on project-based learning and make use of modern technology.

STEM disciplines commonly intersect within many professional fields, helping prepare students for a wide range of career paths.

Why is STEM education important?

STEM skills are at the heart of human innovation, from cutting-edge medicine to revolutionary technology. Science, industry, infrastructure, and the economy all rely on these tools.

As these sectors continue to advance rapidly, qualifications in STEM disciplines are becoming increasingly desirable. An abundance of opportunities is available to those with a STEM education.

In the last few years, the Government has expressed growing concern about the shortage of STEM skills within the UK’s workforce. Therefore, STEM education is vital in equipping future generations with the skills required to move the world forward.

Two female STEM university students building a robot in engineering class.

What are the benefits of STEM education?

As well as having real-world applications, STEM education offers a range of benefits to students:

  • Innovation and creativity: STEM education teaches you to think like an innovator. It inspires your curiosity and thirst for knowledge and gives you the determination to figure out why and how.
  • Development of key skills: STEM subjects foster key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These skills are valuable in almost any career.
  • Interdisciplinary approach: STEM education encourages the integration of various disciplines, allowing you to understand how different subjects intersect and relate to real-world problems.
  • Hands-on learning: STEM education often involves practical, hands-on activities, experiments, and projects. These help students to better understand and remember complex concepts.
  • Plentiful career opportunities: Candidates for STEM jobs are always in demand and professionals in these fields generally have higher salaries.

Is there demand for STEM workers?

In the UK, there’s a massive demand for workers with STEM skills, particularly in the fields of mathematics, natural science, technology, and computer science.

In 2018, it was estimated that this shortage of skilled workers was costing employers £1.5 billion per year in recruitment, temporary staffing, and training costs.

Since STEM skills are crucial for the UK’s economic growth and technological advancement, there have been growing efforts to increase the number of graduates pursuing STEM careers. So, if your interests and ambitions lie within STEM, the world may very well be your oyster.

A female scientist wearing safety equipment whilst using a microscope in the laboratory.

What careers are there within STEM?

There’s a huge variety of exciting jobs within STEM fields, including:

  • Actuary
  • Aerospace engineer
  • Biomedical engineer
  • Biochemist
  • Chemical engineer
  • Computer scientist
  • Environmental engineer
  • Geographer
  • Industrial engineer
  • Materials scientist
  • Mechanical engineer
  • Meteorologist
  • Nuclear engineer
  • Psychologist
  • Software engineer
  • Statistician

The field of STEM is diverse and continually evolving, offering numerous opportunities for those interested in pursuing careers related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

How to begin your journey into STEM

Interested in STEM? If you’re currently studying a STEM subject and you’re considering taking it at A Level or university, then our STEM section is for you.

From GCSE and A Level to university and beyond, we give you the lowdown on your options at every stage of your academic journey. We cover subjects, essential skills, work experience, future career options, and more. You’ll also get to read about the paths taken by people working within STEM fields today.

Informative and inspiring, our STEM section is designed to help you thoroughly explore your options and interests and make the right decision for you.

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