Research suggests SEND students have higher interest in tech careers
Research by EngineeringUK and The Royal Society, published during National Careers Week (3 to 8 March), has found young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have a higher interest in technology careers than non-SEND pupils.
The new additional analysis comes from the Science Education Tracker, a survey of 7,200 young people in years 7 to 13 of their experiences and attitudes towards STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education and careers.
The data highlights employment aspirations amongst students in state schools in England and found almost half (47%) of both SEND and non-SEND students are interested in a future career in engineering.
But interestingly, more SEND students favoured a technology and computing career (43%) in contrast to non-SEND students (37%).
Between now and 2030 engineering and technology jobs are expected to grow faster than other occupations. Engineering jobs are expected to grow by a further 2.8% adding 173,000 net new jobs. EngineeringUK would like to see more opportunities open up for disabled young people, who are currently underrepresented, making up 14% of the engineering and technology workforce compared to 18% in other occupations.
Becca Gooch, Head of Research at EngineeringUK, said, “The data throws up some positive findings and it's great to see both SEND and non-SEND students as equally interested in a potential future engineering career. It’s also fantastic to see so many SEND students with careers interest in tech where we need a vast talent pool. We must ensure our future engineering and technology workforce are not only well prepared for future roles but are made aware of opportunities and entry routes in to training and employment.
“Engineering is such a broad sector offering so many diverse roles and opportunities for young people in the UK.”
The data also showed when it came to maths careers, there was little difference between the 2 cohorts, with SEND students (35%) and non-SEND students (37%), but fewer SEND students favoured a future science career (39%) than non-SEND (48%).
SEND students were less likely than non-SEND students to engage in science or STEM online via Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and online news or receive advice and guidance about careers from a range of different sources and undertake STEM work experience.
The 2023 Science Education Tracker published in 2024, followed previous surveys in 2016 and 2019. The 2023 survey included questions, for the first time, specifically about engineering. EngineeringUK’s Head of Research, Becca Gooch, and David Montagu, Senior Policy Advisor from The Royal Society’s Education team will be presenting the CRESTEM keynote lecture ‘The Science Education Tracker: a tool for capturing young people’s perception at King’s College today (4 March).
All SEND schools are included in EngineeringUK’s list of priority schools it engages with through its STEM programmes and resources like Neon to help drive change and improve wider diversity amongst underrepresented groups in the engineering and technology industry.
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