More than half (52%) of UK school children want to pursue a career in STEM, but feel they are being held back from doing so by a lack of access to technology in the classroom.More than half (52%) of UK school children want to pursue a career in STEM, but feel they are being held back from doing so by a lack of access to technology in the classroom.
That's according to a new survey released today by software giant Autodesk.
The company spoke to 1000 pupils aged between 11 and 18. The majority (78%) said they had better access to technology at home than at school.
A third (33%) said they didn't feel their school knew enough about new technology.
Commenting on the findings, Pete Baxter, head of Autodesk UK, said: "We've heard for a long time about a growing STEM skills gap in the UK, but this research shows a real enthusiasm for careers in these industries amongst the next generation.
"However, as a country we should be doing everything we can to nurture this enthusiasm within our classrooms so that we can develop the skilled workforce we need to succeed in the future."
Baxter stressed the importance of giving younger students regular, hands on access to "highly creative and visual tools and technologies".
"Older students need access to professional tools and techniques to ensure they hit the ground running when they begin their STEM career," he added.
Author
Laura Hopperton
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk