Vocational education central to success of STEM subjects, says report

The report, 'Vision for Science and Mathematics Education', looks specifically at STEM education over the next 20 years and UCU said it welcomed its finding that vocational education will be central to developing the UK's STEM capabilities.

The union said the government needed to show proper commitment to funding STEM subjects and called for better information and guidance for students at all levels of education

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: ''We welcome the report's finding that vocational education will be central to meeting the demand for a workforce with much better STEM qualifications. STEM subjects are ones in which the UK already has great expertise both in terms of research and teaching.

'It is absolutely vital that school pupils, through to college and university students are given decent advice and guidance about how to progress their studies in STEM subjects.

'Ultimately, the responsibility remains with government to ensure the adequate funding and support is provided for these increasingly important subjects.'