The science, technology, engineering and maths (known as STEM) industries are of vital importance to the UK. We need to tackle the current shortfall of UK STEM professionals to maintain the UK’s competitiveness and fuel economic growth.
The UK Government has responded to the need for more UK STEM professionals with the launch of ‘Your Life’, a national campaign to increase participation in STEM, especially among young women. The campaign, which was formally launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt. Hon. George Osborne MP, sets ambitious targets for STEM education and careers.
‘Your Life’ will support the goal to double the number of women studying engineering and technology degrees at undergraduate level by 2030; boost the number of women pursuing careers in engineering and technology; and increase the number of young people studying maths and physics at 18.
In support of the ‘Your Life’ campaign Shell has made two pledges:
- Shell commits to expand by 20% its Girls in Energy Scheme. This scheme is a year-long programme, which will offer 72 young women, aged 14-18 years old, 160 hours of STEM education, field visits, careers advice from women working in the industry and the chance to meet senior female executives at Shell.
- Shell commits to launch a new programme in 2014 to support teachers across the UK to inspire and help 11-14 year olds to pursue STEM subjects beyond GCSE.
