A ‘failure’ to focus on STEM education will leave the country facing a skills shortage crisis in the coming years, experts are warning.
OPITO, a global not-for-profit skills and standards body for the energy industry, said not enough is being done to engage teachers and parents, warning that without more emphasis on STEM subjects, Scotland will struggle to “make good on its target for a renewable, net zero economy”.
Andy Williamson, OPITO’s Senior Vice President, yesterday warned futureproofing and recruiting the next generation workforce is going to be the biggest challenge ever faced by the energy sector.
While the focus continues to be on integration of STEM into schools and young people appreciating the importance and opportunities, more needs to be done to equip parents and teachers with the confidence to teach STEM, support with STEM home learning and provide positive influence for future careers within this space.
He said: “The energy mix in Scotland requires a huge range of new and existing skills and, while the North Sea Transition Deal and ScotWind are both underway and providing valuable and sustainable opportunities for the industry, we need to be looking ahead through the eyes of younger generations and asking what we can be doing now to ensure there is a pool of qualified and passionate people eager to enter the industry and make their mark on the energy transition.
“Insufficient time is dedicated to STEM within the academic year. We need consistent, regular touchpoints in school and there needs to be learning opportunities not only for young people, but for parents, teachers and carers to get involved too.
“Science centres across Scotland are helping to bridge the STEM skills gap and we are particularly proud of our work with Glasgow Science Centre. We currently have three campaigns underway with the team in Glasgow and they aim to engage not only young people in STEM but also to engage families in a fun and interactive way. Without family support, it will be a struggle to engage young people into the world of STEM.”
OPITO, a global not-for-profit skills and standards body for the energy industry, said not enough is being done to engage teachers and parents, warning that without more emphasis on STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – Scotland will struggle to “make good on its target for a renewable, net zero economy”.
Andy Williamson, OPITO’s senior vice president, yesterday warned futureproofing and recruiting the next generation workforce is going to be the biggest challenge ever faced by the energy sector.
While the focus continues to be on integration of STEM into schools and young people appreciating the importance and opportunities, more needs to be done to equip parents and teachers with the confidence to teach STEM, support with STEM home learning and provide positive influence for future careers within this space.
He said: “The energy mix in Scotland requires a huge range of new and existing skills and, while the North Sea Transition Deal and ScotWind are both underway and providing valuable and sustainable opportunities for the industry, we need to be looking ahead through the eyes of younger generations and asking what we can be doing now to ensure there is a pool of qualified and passionate people eager to enter the industry and make their mark on the energy transition.
“Insufficient time is dedicated to STEM within the academic year. We need consistent, regular touchpoints in school and there needs to be learning opportunities not only for young people, but for parents, teachers and carers to get involved too.
“Science centres across Scotland are helping to bridge the STEM skills gap and we are particularly proud of our work with Glasgow Science Centre. We currently have three campaigns underway with the team in Glasgow and they aim to engage not only young people in STEM but also to engage families in a fun and interactive way. Without family support, it will be a struggle to engage young people into the world of STEM.”
“Science centres across Scotland are helping to bridge the STEM skills gap and we are particularly proud of our work with Glasgow Science Centre. We currently have three campaigns underway with the team in Glasgow and they aim to engage not only young people in STEM but also to engage families in a fun and interactive way. Without family support, it will be a struggle to engage young people into the world of STEM.”
