STEM supply teaching
Here look at STEM supply teaching. As we celebrate Maths Week and World Science Day, we look at the STEM industry and teaching shortages.
STEM jobs: facts and figures
Did you know that out of a workforce of 32.8 million people, 5.9 million (18%) work in STEM occupations in the UK? This was according to figures from the British Science Association, November 2020. However, did you also know that there are a million women in the UK who now work in the STEM sector? Importantly 50,000 of them work in professional engineering roles, but there remains a growing demand in the industry sector. You may be unaware that this industry have a lower share of female workers compared to other sectors (27% vs. 52%). In addition, other groups are underrepresented such as disabled people (11% vs.14%) and people of ethnic minorities.
STEM skills gap
Did you know that the STEM skills gap in the UK, is felt to be in part due to inequity within STEM education. Consequently, it affects young people’s access, attainment, and engagement levels in STEM subjects. Currently in the UK, there is a shortage of Physics teachers and Maths teachers. The shortage of STEM teachers is seen in both supply teaching for these roles, as well as in permanent jobs.You are probably aware that they are in high demand by school leaders.
STEM teacher jobs
Some research suggests that 50 % of maths teachers and physics teachers leave within five years of teaching. This may be because of typical reasons that newly qualified teachers leave the profession. For example, long hours, stress and lack of support. However, the number of teachers leaving the profession over the last 12 months is starting to slow down. Did you know that competitive salaries from the STEM industry sector, result makes STEM teaching less attractive. This is because there is a big demand for more skilled workers due to the increase in things like renewable energy .
However, you may be individual retiring from the STEM sector, but want to be purposeful. If so, you could be the ideal candidates for STEM teaching. As a science teacher, you could integrate new technology, recent research, and popular science events into your classroom. As a math teacher, you will be able to provide your students with multiple rewarding opportunities to continue to engage in mathematics and apply their newly gained knowledge outside of the classroom. It’s an exciting opportunity to make a difference to young peoples’ lives whilst supporting the future growth of the STEM industry sector in the UK.
We are always on the lookout for new talent, especially for maths teachers and physics supply teachers; go to our registration page or call us to find out more.