What do parents know about STEM jobs?

A new EngineeringUK report explores parents’ perspectives on engineering and technology.

The report looks at the possible appeal of their child exploring careers in the sector, confidence in providing career advice, and awareness of education routes.

The work reveals 8 in 10 parents/carers/guardians find the idea of their child pursuing a career in engineering (79%), science (79%) or technology (81%) appealing. However, parents lack confidence giving STEM careers advice and are unsure of the entry routes after leaving school.

Confidence is lowest for discussing engineering careers, with over half (55%) saying they were not confident discussing them, with 23% ‘not at all confident’. There is also a gender disparity with males being much more confident about giving STEM careers advice.

Parents said they had a lack of knowledge about apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications.