Good News for STEM Job Shortages as Industry Interest Piques

A lack of interest in STEM roles appears to be in reverse according to new statistics reported in The Telegraph. More job searchers are now seeking positions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is great news and shows that young people are taking a keen interest in these rewarding career paths. 

The numbers indicate a change of heart for many. Where there were far more STEM vacancies (available positions outnumbered candidates 2 to 1) just three years ago, now those searching online number around 90% of the total vacancies, displaying a sharp increase. The number of available candidates has very nearly caught up with demand. 

Who’s Looking for STEM Roles? 

There appears to be a generational trend in those looking for STEM roles with millennials and those in their 30s most interested. Baby boomers appear less attracted to STEM. 

In our work as a recruitment agency we’ve noticed how legislation such as the Apprenticeship Levy along with better online and on-the-job training has made having a degree less of a necessity in some sectors. This observation appears to be echoed in this new data as over 10% of the roles advertised at entry level do not require formal qualifications. This undoubtedly opens the field up for candidates that may have previously thought themselves unsuitable despite having a keen interest in STEM. 

Top STEM employers include the NHS, Specsavers, PwC and Accenture.  

If we refer back to the more informal routes into STEM that we mention above, we’re aware particularly of one NHS program – the NHS Scientist Training Programme – that allows for individuals to enter STEM industries without the qualifications that would have previously been necessary. This particular programme doesn’t cater to school leavers, but it does allow for applicants with a wide range of science and sport science related degrees to enter into it and qualify in areas that would otherwise require a more specific route. Successful applicants get paid a good salary for 3 years whilst receiving on the job training too before they qualify.  

We think it’s a great way of getting talented candidates that haven’t necessarily chosen the formal route into a certain specialism, and excelling in it! 

It’s wonderful to see more people interested in the valuable STEM industries that contribute so much as well as seeing broader routes into such roles being opened up.