Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths 2022-01-12
2022-01-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The number of women studying and employed in STEM fields is a concern, prompting this question.
What steps she is taking to increase the number of women and girls (a) studying and (b) employed in STEM subjects and jobs?
Between 2010 and 2020, the number of women accepted on to full-time STEM undergraduate courses increased by 49%. The Government is committed to increasing STEM uptake through funding programmes such as the Inclusion in Schools physics programme.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for employment in STEM jobs were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The electric vehicle revolution is creating new opportunities in the west midlands, and there's a need to ensure women are taking up these roles.
Would my hon. Friend be able to let me know exactly how many women are taking up STEM apprenticeships? I ask this question specifically because the electric vehicle revolution in the west midlands is leading the way, and I am keen to see women taking up such opportunities so that they can have a long-term career in high-quality, high-paid jobs.
Women now account for more than half of all apprenticeship starts across the country. The apprenticeships diversity champions network is working with employers to ensure improvements in this area.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific number of women in STEM apprenticeships was not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The under-representation of women in niche fields like photonics needs assessment to improve advertising and incentives.
The under-representation of women in STEM is informed by a variety of factors. What assessment have the Government made of how careers in niche areas of STEM such as photonics can be better advertised and incentivised for women?
The number of women on full-time STEM undergraduate courses has increased by 49% since 2010. The percentage of women on full-time STEM undergraduate courses is now at 42%, up from 34%. A-level science entries have also increased among girls, and more than half of all science A-level entrants are now female.
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Assessment & feedback
Assessment for niche areas like photonics was not provided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Wockhardt's involvement with AstraZeneca vaccine production has set the stage for STEM initiatives, particularly encouraging women and young people.
Wockhardt in Wrexham made the AstraZeneca vaccine ready, setting the scene for Wrexham to be at the forefront of opportunities. Does the Minister agree that now is the time to encourage young people, including women, into STEM opportunities, and that Wrexham, with Glyndŵr University and Coleg Cambria, is just the place to do that?
Under this Government, women and girls are driving the STEM revolution. I look forward to visiting Wrexham to see the progress being made.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific agreement or plans for encouraging young people in STEM roles was not provided
Response accuracy