Tools and resources

Tools for employers

Stem toolkit

Attract

STEM Apprenticeships Toolkit: Attracting new talent

The journey to a STEM career starts in the classroom. That’s why we think employers should be more actively supporting STEM education – to attract more women and girls into STEM careers.

The newly-updated Gatsby Benchmarks highlight the important role employers have to play in shaping effective careers education, particularly Benchmark 5 on employer interactions, and Benchmark 6 on experiences of workplaces.

We believe that employers can provide the kind of guidance that girls, and young people more generally, will value through engagement with schools and colleges.

STEM engagement in schools

Secondary schools are usually where recruiters focus their efforts with careers fairs and interactions. But engaging with primary schools can help students challenge career stereotypes and shape their own perceptions at a pivotal time. According to research by The Sutton Trust, that fewer than 5% of primary school students express interest in apprenticeships, while one-third sees university as a pathway to their chosen career.

Promoting STEM subjects and career pathways boosts young people’s chances of following that path – especially for girls. Research by EngineeringUK highlights that girls’ interests in STEM careers is most effective when started in primary school, but many are put off by gender stereotypes, with the misconception that they need to be ‘really, really smart’ to study STEM subjects.

A girl learns coding by programming a robot vehicle

Science Education Tracker survey

According to results from the Science Education tracker (7,000 respondents aged 11-18):

Interest in STEM careers drops from 55% (Y7) to 39% (Y13)
Because of lack of enjoyment (57% girls, 41% boys)
And they don’t feel like they’re good at them (38% girls, 20% boys)
45% of students report being inspired by exposure to STEM through extracurricular activities, school visits, or talks by STEM professionals.
EngineeringUK also found that school students who attend a STEM careers activity are 3.5 times more likely to understand the roles of engineers, and are 3.4 times more likely to consider becoming one themselves.

Develop a sustainable recruitment strategy

We know now how important it is for recruiters to engage younger curious minds, to attract diverse talent and strengthen the STEM workforce to close the skills gap. Browse our resources on sustainable STEM recruitment to find out more.

Sustainable recruitment strategy resources

Sustainable engagement strategy checklist

Ask the important questions to shape your approach to outreach.

A student presents to class with the tutor

Engaging with schools

Top tips for building relationships with the educators you want to engage with.

Teacher Helping Female Pupil To Build Robot Car In Science Lesson

Partnerships and other resources

A handy reference for UK organisations that can help you create effective collaborations.

How to attract STEM talent

As well as the direct recruitment approach, giving new prospects the chance to see STEM in action can be an effective way to raise their interest in a STEM career. Check out these different influences.

Role models

Find out how identifying role models in your organisation can have a positive influence on women and girls thinking about STEM careers.

Support networks

Find out how to introduce sector awareness and readiness for a career in STEM through the support of young people’s most influential figures.

Work experience

Discover how STEM-related work experience is a powerful tool to increase awareness and interest in the STEM sector.

Sample letter template

Use our template to write a letter reaching out to local schools and institutions offering your support as an employer with access to STEM experiences.

Find more from the STEM Apprenticeships Toolkit

A man and woman wearing safety protection stand side by side in an industrial setting

Recruit

Develop strategies to actively recruit more women and girls into STEM apprenticeships. Address barriers to entry and create inclusive recruitment processes.

visit the Recruit section

Support

Provide continuous support to apprentices, and ensure they have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed and develop the right skills.

Visit the Support section

A group of students wearing safety protection are gathered around listening to the group leader

Retain

Provide the resources and wider organisational changes to retain women in STEM fields, both during and after their apprenticeship, and ensure there are opportunities for long-term retention and growth.

visit the Retain section

Other STEM Apprenticeships Toolkit resources

A female worker wearing mechanic overalls looks up as she examines a vehicle.

Apprenticeships across the UK

Find out why apprenticeships represent a great opportunity for women and girls to get into STEM careers. See how apprenticeships work and what apprentices can expect to learn in the role.

Case studies: women in STEM

We’ve worked with a number of employers across the UK to put their plans for a more diverse STEM workforce into action. Find out how leading employers are creating more opportunities for women in STEM apprenticeships.