BAE survey reveals changing perception of STEM subjects

Air February 24, 2017

YouGov research, commissioned by BAE Systems, has revealed that attitudes towards science, technology engineering and maths are improving.

The study surveyed 592 parents with children aged between eight and fifteen and found that 51% of those surveyed said they would encourage their child to pursue a STEM-based career.

Furthermore, 55% of parents said they actively try to encourage their child to study STEM subjects at school and 61% said they felt that their child has more opportunities to learn STEM subjects now compared to when they were at school.

In terms of resources available for parents to aid children with their STEM homework, 40% believed there were enough resources available, while 4% said they were overwhelmed with resources.

Steve Fogg, Managing Director, Shared Services at BAE Systems said: “The results of this survey are very encouraging and show that we are starting to make some progress in changing perceptions about engineering.

“I am convinced that industry, education and Government must continue to work together in encouraging more young people to consider a career in STEM. There is still a huge amount to do and no one organisation has the ability to make a lasting impact – it must be a joint effort throughout the UK.”

The findings of the research were released as BAE Systems, the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy got together again to launch their nationwide schools engineering and science roadshow at St. Marylebone Church of England School, London.

Air Vice-Marshal Sue Gray, RAF Senior Engineer commented: “The Royal Air Force understands the importance of engaging early with students in order to inspire and enthuse them to focus on maths and science. It is particularly important to encourage girls to take up these subjects and consider non-traditional, technical career pathways.”

Commodore Andy Cree, Royal Navy said the roadshow enabled the Royal Navy to showcase the range of “exciting roles and opportunities available, not just within the Royal Navy, but across the whole engineering and scientific community, which in turn, is building a better future for the United Kingdom.”