2024 EngineeringUK Report: STEM numbers climb, but gender imbalance remains
As we approach the 2024 exam series, the latest data on STEM subject participation and achievement in A levels, Scottish Advanced Highers, and engineering-related T Levels offers both encouraging trends and ongoing challenges for the future of engineering.
Strong growth in STEM subject entries
Maths continues to lead as the most popular A level subject, with entries surpassing 100,000 for the first time. This reflects a growing interest among students in subjects critical to engineering, with maths, further maths, computing, and physics all seeing an increase in entries compared to 2023. This suggests that more students are recognising the importance of these subjects in pursuing careers in engineering, technology, and related fields.
T Levels gain momentum
The rise of T Levels—technical qualifications designed to equip students with the skills needed for specific industries—has been significant. In 2024, the number of students enrolled in T Levels has more than doubled, with 7,380 students across all T Level courses. Engineering and technology-related T Levels are particularly popular, attracting 3,598 students, which represents just under half of all T Level students. This surge is a promising sign that the next generation is increasingly valuing hands-on, industry-relevant education as a pathway into engineering careers.
Gender representation: An ongoing challenge
Despite these positive trends, the data highlights persistent gender imbalances in STEM subjects, which could have long-term implications for the diversity of the engineering workforce. Female students continue to be underrepresented in key subjects, making up just 37% of maths entries, 32% in Design & Technology (D&T), 27% in further maths, 23% in physics, and a mere 17% in computing.
The gender disparity is even more pronounced in T Levels related to engineering and technology, where only 9% of those completing courses are female. This underrepresentation of women in STEM subjects and courses is a critical issue that the industry must address to ensure a more diverse and inclusive future workforce.
Looking ahead
As gas engineers, these trends are crucial to understand, as they will shape the talent pool entering the industry in the coming years. While the growth in STEM subject uptake is encouraging, the ongoing gender disparities highlight the need for continued efforts to promote STEM careers to young women and create more inclusive environments in education and the workplace.
For those in the gas engineering sector, staying engaged with these educational trends and supporting initiatives that encourage a diverse range of students to pursue STEM careers will be vital in addressing future skills shortages and fostering innovation in the industry.
Read the full report here: T LEVEL RESULTS, EngineeringUK