IET responds to PM announcement on next steps in maths to 18

“As a core discipline of engineering, it’s promising to hear that the new focus on Maths will look at more practical learning and have input from employers.

“However, we need to make sure we have enough teachers to do this, and that they are fully supported in providing the real-life application of what students are being taught. Currently the link between subjects like Maths, their purpose and application to the world in which we live, is not being made and this is a problem.  

“It’s no secret that there is an engineering skills shortage, so we need to do more to show how these core subjects relate to careers. Jobs of the future are only going to become more digitally focused, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) learning will be imperative to this.

“Our recent Engineering Kids’ Futures report set out a number of recommendations including embedding engineering into the curriculum through STEM subjects. We need to nurture, develop, and give appropriate opportunities to young people allowing them to make better informed choices about their futures and, this in turn will help to ease the UK’s skills gap.”