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13 December, 2009

Understanding better the wider demand for graduates in STEM disciplines

A wide range of career opportunities are open nowadays to STEM-qualified graduates, and they are found both in traditional scientific and engineering occupations and in other areas, such as financial services, consultancy, and the public sector. It is thought that some STEM-qualified graduates prefer not to take up science or engineering occupations because they are seen as less attractive. But we do not know if this is the only or main reason.

We are seeking your help to get better evidence on the wider demand for STEM-qualified graduates, including in new areas of work. We are also undertaking research among STEM students and graduates on their career decision-making in a parallel study.

We know that employers continue to experience recruitment problems despite an increase in STEM graduate supply in recent years; and many employers perceive shortages relating to STEM skills, either in specific STEM subjects or broader competencies or lack of practical work experience. But we don’t know enough about the wider demand for STEM skills.

Commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to help inform future Government policy, CIHE is working with CRAC to research these issues.