Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Achieving world class skills for London

This report identifies the challenges and opportunities for improving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills levels in London, to support our current and future competitiveness.

Background

The UK Government has recognised the need to drive up scientific excellence and innovation, to enable Britain to compete internationally. It has also responded to a number of important reviews of UK performance in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) skills and subject areas within the economy and education, with the 10 year investment framework and science and innovation framework.

Against this background of recognised need at the national level, this report focuses on the specific challenge to London in closing the STEM skills gap. For the first time, it looks at the STEM skills picture in London, and the London-based action that needs to be taken. London's scale, diversity and position as one of the worlds leading cities and as Europe's major financial centre creates unique challenges and opportunities for the promotion and development of STEM skills.

This report brings together and presents the evidence base for action in embedding STEM skills in London. It is designed to help policy makers, funders, learning providers, employers, and other agencies that support and advise young people, to ensure that London has a world-class supply of STEM skills. It gives the perspective of young people and employers in London on the problem of the STEM skills gap - where the main skills shortages are, and what can be done about them.

Future Action

The LDA is supporting the Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network (SETNET) in the development of a STEM Support Centre for London to address some of the issues raised in the report. This will include a website promoting STEM interventions in the capital, supporting further training courses for teachers, networking events for schools and face to face meetings with education organisations and industry bodies.