How can we encourage girls to get into STEM?

With a shortage of engineers a real threat, encouraging girls to embrace STEM subjects and careers is more important than ever.

So, how can we as teachers help?

We can help by addressing the stereotypes linked to Engineering. Careers in engineering are constantly developing and whilst there will always be a need for engineers to fill the traditional boiler-suited, machine fixing roles, the industry is now involved in solving some of the biggest challenges faced by society.

Renewable energy, advancing healthcare provision and space exploration are just a few examples. It is these types of careers where there is great potential and girls should be encouraged to pursue these career paths.

The link to these careers can be hi-lighted to pupils when teaching a wide range of topics – from Biology to Geography and IT to Physics.

If teachers can link different types of careers to the topics they are teaching, as well as raising awareness of these roles, one of the most vital questions pupils often think, but don’t always ask, “When will I ever need this once I’ve left school”, can be answered.