Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ84813

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) forms an integral part of the Curriculum for Wales, preparing learners for study, employment and life in the 21st century. I want all learners to become ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world; and healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society STEM learning is fundamental to many learners’ career and further learning prospects but also to our economic prospects in Wales. It is also essential that our education system raises aspirations and challenges stereotypes in order to address under-representation in different careers.

In January this year, Welsh Government published additional guidance for Careers and Work-Related Experiences (CWRE), which gives schools more detail on delivering careers in their schools. This was developed with teachers and a range of specialists and experts, to ensure it is fit for purpose and deliverable within a range of education settings. It is the aim to have STEM Careers embedded within the CWRE additional guidance to focus on the communication of STEM career opportunities and expand employer engagement in primary schools to broaden understanding of STEM opportunities. This is further supported by engagement with the pilots such as the Tech Valleys STEM Facilitation Project, Welsh Valleys Engineering Project and the CREST Awards – to address skills development within areas of social and economic deprivation.

Welsh Government funds Careers Wales to work with schools and undertake a range of activities to showcase the world of work to schools. This includes a range of activities such as work experience, tailored to the learner, training and support for teachers in schools, employer engagement events, webinars, and presentations with schools.

Business also has an important role to play. Welsh Government expects secondary schools will be doing more to make learners aware of careers options. They’ll be developing projects that can be used to create real-world learning experiences. As education is changing, businesses must be willing to help it keep abreast of their own changing needs.

The Equality in STEM Board, chaired by the Minister for Social Justice, provides strategic direction to improve equality in STEM-related study and careers in Wales. The overarching vision for the Education Sub-group is to enable Wales be a nation where there are no barriers to accessing STEM opportunities at all levels of education. In its consideration of equality and diversity the Sub-group focuses on all underrepresented groups in STEM with membership including representatives from Disability Wales, Stonewall Cymru and Chwarae Teg.