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STEM Careers learning module

Welcome to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Careers

“Studying science and maths unlocks a range of employment opportunities for young people across the economy. Businesses are clear that government should take further action to promote these subjects, with two thirds (64%) wanting to see more done in schools and colleges to promote their study. Young people need access to high quality, impartial careers advice grounded in information about the jobs market to allow them to make informed choices about their future career. This must include advice about the vocational routes open to them – such as apprenticeships – as well as more traditional academic options.”

Learning to grow: what employers need from education and skills (CBI, 2012)

In recent years concern about the decline in numbers of young people choosing to study and work in science, maths and engineering careers has translated into a wave of action in terms, not only of research, but of high quality resources to orchestrate change on the ground. STEM Careers brings these resources, principally The STEM Choices resource pack, together as an online learning tool. The aim is to help teachers, guidance professionals, careers co-ordinators, tutors and mentors feel confident to deliver high quality careers information, advice and guidance related to science, technology, engineering and maths learning and careers to all learners.

Where to start

To make the most of STEM careers, it is suggested that you begin by completing this short pre-course self-assessment to focus on your STEM strengths and training needs. As you work through the questions, jot down your answers, e.g. 1b, 2a etc, so that you can make the most of the feedback which will illustrate how the materials can help you move forward with your STEM learning and awareness. Keep your scores in case you want to re-visit the self assessment on completion of the STEM Careers module.

This module is divided into 3 sections:

The sections are intended to be sequential, increasing in complexity and depth. How you use them is up to you, but it is suggested that you work through the activities in the order in which they are presented. Suggested time scales are included, but clearly these are guidelines only. Each section has learning objectives, materials to watch, read and consider.

All sections include activities that ask you to share your opinions or your work. The vehicle for doing this is the National STEM Centre online community group: STEM Careers - Helping Students to get the message. In order to be able to add your contributions to the group you need to Register on the National STEM Centre website and then join this group. It is advisable to do this before you start work on the module because as part of the learning you will need to access the National STEM Centre's elibrary which also requires registration on the site. The STEM Online Community User Guide can be downloaded here.

All sections also include a 'careers delivery' activity which will, we hope, ensure that your online learning will impact 'off line' on colleagues and learners to enhance the important messages about STEM subject choice and careers.

Turn your learning into action:
To help you store and organise your action points, we recommend you download a STEM Careers Personal Action Plan. Use it to note down your responses to some of the reflective questions we ask, and record what you intend to do or investigate as a consequence.

We hope that you are inspired by this elearning to develop your knowledge and work beyond the suggested tasks, so more references are supplied in the Taking it further lists that you see throughout the module. Your feedback about the materials is encouraged through online evaluation and much appreciated.

On completion of the module you can revisit the self assessment questions and plan your next steps. We also encourage you to give us your views on the potential impact of this learning and future of this resource in the short STEM Overall evaluation survey.

Click here to find out more about the development of the STEM Careers learning module.