Women in STEM Jobs 2023-10-25
2023-10-25
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
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Context
There is a need for increasing the number of women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
What steps are being taken to help support women in STEM roles?
We have launched a scheme called STEM returners to get women with experience and skills back into STEM jobs. There is also the Build Back Better campaign which seeks to inspire women from all walks of life to work in the green energy economy.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about increasing number of women in STEM roles are not provided
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Q2
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Education, skills, universities, colleges and apprenticeships are devolved matters while energy and defence are reserved to this Parliament.
What discussions has my hon. Friend had with other UK Government Ministers and devolved Administrations to ensure that the opportunity for women to get their STEM education and skills, and to maintain their careers, is maximised across the United Kingdom?
We are making progress on trying to get women and girls into energy sector. My colleague and I regularly meet devolved colleagues to discuss how we can have a United Kingdom approach to this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about discussions are not provided
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Q3
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Young women and men expressed concerns over lack of information about non-trade apprenticeships.
What more can my hon. Friend do to promote STEM apprenticeships for the 16 to 18-year-olds who may not want to pursue the university route?
Since May 2010, over 5 million apprenticeship starts have happened. Our apprenticeship diversity champions are helping those aged 16 and over to get into apprenticeships, particularly in STEM subjects. Organisations such as UCAS and Young Women's Trust are doing specific work.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific initiatives for promoting STEM apprenticeships are not detailed
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Q4
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Scottish Government aims to address lack of women in STEM occupations from an early age.
What are the Government doing to provide support for addressing occupation segregation leading to more women accessing STEM careers?
One key route is through apprenticeships. We have 22,000 degree apprenticeships and seven masters degree apprenticeships with an increase of 14%. In STEM subjects, we have 360 employer design apprenticeships including level 3 cyber-security, level 4 software development and level 6 civil engineering.
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Assessment & feedback
Details about support for schools and early education are not provided
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Q5
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Women are under-represented in STEM industries in Northern Ireland, only 15% of women study core STEM subjects compared to 36% of men.
May I encourage the Minister to use her office to engage with the Department for the Economy to encourage more uptake in university STEM subjects?
We need a UK approach. Across the Government, whether in the Department for Work and Pensions or the Department for Education, we focus on trying to improve all avenues for those, particularly women, who want to go into STEM areas.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about engaging with the department are not provided
Response accuracy