Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Women in STEM Jobs

Wednesday 25 October 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government launched a scheme called STEM returners to help women re-enter STEM jobs.
  • Discussions with devolved Administrations are ongoing to maximize opportunities for women in STEM across the UK.
  • Apprenticeship diversity champions are working to promote STEM apprenticeships for young people aged 16 and over.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Maggie Throup Con
Science & Technology Women & Equalities
Context

There is a need for increasing the number of women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Question

What steps are being taken to help support women in STEM roles?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about increasing number of women in STEM roles are not provided

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Q2 David Duguid Con
Science & Technology Women & Equalities
Context

Education, skills, universities, colleges and apprenticeships are devolved matters while energy and defence are reserved to this Parliament.

Question

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?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about discussions are not provided

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Q3 Maggie Throup Con
Education Employment Science & Technology
Context

Young women and men expressed concerns over lack of information about non-trade apprenticeships.

Question

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?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific initiatives for promoting STEM apprenticeships are not detailed

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Q4 Marion Fellows SNP
Education Women & Equalities
Context

Scottish Government aims to address lack of women in STEM occupations from an early age.

Question

What are the Government doing to provide support for addressing occupation segregation leading to more women accessing STEM careers?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details about support for schools and early education are not provided

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Education Northern Ireland Women & Equalities
Context

Women are under-represented in STEM industries in Northern Ireland, only 15% of women study core STEM subjects compared to 36% of men.

Question

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?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about engaging with the department are not provided

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