Pathways to Pathways to Careers in STEMCareers in STEM

Dr Jonathan HeggartyBelfast Metropolitan College

Email: jheggarty@belfastmet.ac.uk

Matrix ReportMatrix Report

Strategic market opportunities over the next ten years in five key sectors:

Agrifood ICT Life & Health Sciences Advanced Engineering (Transport) Advanced Materials

Matrix ReportMatrix Report

Long Term Market opportunities

• Clean & Green Future World Market

• Health, Well-Being & Vitality Future World Market

• Joined up & Connected Future World Market

• Safe, Protected & Secure Future World Market

STEM Review, NISTEM Review, NI

There is a growing STEM supply and demand mismatch

• Decline in uptake greatest in the physical sciences and mathematics

• There is gender imbalance in the STEM artery and the imbalance increases along the artery until employment

• There is inadequate Careers advice for STEM students• The curriculum needs to be made more exciting, real and

relevant and business has an important role to play in this

What about the Economic Downturn?What about the Economic Downturn?• History shows downturns are followed by recovery• History shows education and skills shortages appear

during an upturn, slowing the rate of recovery.• We need to invest now in skills needed for the future.• Many medium and long term economic trends remain

intact.• STEM is fundamental for a clean , green, sustainable

future.

Science education delivers what employers want!Science education delivers what employers want!

• Good communication and presentation skills, both oral and written

• Self-motivation

• An interest in and an ability to pick up concepts quickly and competently

• Analytical mind, problem solver

• Team worker

• Imagination and inquisitiveness

• Ability to learn new skills and implement them quickly

• Sound decision making and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage own and others’ time

Pathways to a Pathways to a

CareerCareer

Agriculture, Anatomy, Analytical Chemistry, Astronomy, Biochemistry,

Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Plant Science, Oncology,

Cell Biology, Chemistry, Conservation, Computational Science,

Diagnostics, Drug Development, Ecology, Engineer, Environmental

Science, Forensic Science, Genetics, Genomics, Immunology, QA, QC,

Marine Science, Materials Science, Sport and Exercise Science,

Medicine, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Nanotechnology,

Neuroscience, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physics, Physiology,

Veterinary Science/Medicine, Proteomics, Medicine, Virology,

Zoology ….................

Degree

BTEC BTEC National DiplomaNational Diploma

BTEC First Diploma

GCSEGrades D - G

GCSEGrades C and above

BTEC BTEC Higher National Diploma/Higher National Diploma/

Foundation DegreeFoundation Degree

GCE A level

Routes to aRoutes to a

CareerCareer

Pathways to anPathways to an

CareerCareer

Manufacturing, Software Chemical Biotech, Aeronautical, Electronics Civil

Environmental, Electrical, Chartered Mining, Construction, Industrial,

Structural, Agricultural Ceramic, Automotive, Incorporated, Petroleum,

Nuclear Acoustics Computer, Mechanical, Materials Marine Architectural,

Robotics, Production, Design, Process R&D, Telecommunications,

Transportation Instrumentation …

Apprenticeship Level 2

Apprenticeship

Level 3

DEGREE

Pre-Apprenticeship

BTEC BTEC NationalsNationals

Foundation Degree / Higher Nationals

BTEC Firsts

Routes to anRoutes to an

CareerCareer

Pathways to aPathways to a

CareerCareer

Network Administrator, Software Testing, Software Architect, Systems

Analyst, Database Administrator, Security Specialist, Network Analyst,

Web Developer, Robotics, IT Consultant, Programmer, Help Desk Support,

IT Trainer, Telecommunications, Embedded Technology, Service

Technician …

Routes to aRoutes to a

CareerCareer