This paper focuses on the need to build a solid foundation of skills which the future maritime workforce can build on to provide the innovation and exploitation of new technologies that the Royal Navy requires. This need sits within the wider strategic context of the national engineering skills shortage, reflected recently in the EngineeringUK report: ‘The State of Engineering 2018.’ The report forecasts as a conservative estimate an average shortfall in engineering graduates (level 4+) of 22,000, with the impact of Brexit upon these figures yet to be determined (the UK relies on attracting talent from the EU and beyond to help meet current shortfalls). The situation regarding Level 3 – A levels, Highers, and Advanced apprenticeships reflects a similar shortfall. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that only 12% of engineering and technology employees in the UK are women; highlighting that access and availability, including gender diversity remains a challenge for this sector. It is against that backdrop, that the MOD, is collaborating across many areas; one specifically being on inspiring the next generation to undertake Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) as subjects of choice initially, moving thereafter onto more informed careers awareness and ultimately onto career options. Such foundation building is manifest in Defence’s Youth STEM engagement strategy which is whole force by design, with several major developments to date following its launch in 2016, including the establishment of formal strategic partnerships with three national STEM outreach providers; notably: Primary Engineer; Tomorrows Engineer (replicated by Energy Skills Partnership in Scotland) and STEM Learning (replicated by SSERC in Scotland) each with niche capabilities. They sit alongside all four Services within Defence and key other government departments including the devolved administration in Scotland, in the form of an implementation group to take the strategy forward. The purpose is to inspire sufficient young people to study STEM subjects, to ensure that the appropriate national talent exists from which Defence can recruit its future technical people. Several initiatives are expanded upon with illustration of the benefits, ranging from impact in the classroom (both teacher and pupil) to Defence personnel as STEM ambassadors. The paper closes with the social mobility agenda and the potential thereof from Youth STEM outreach.
Defence Youth STEM Outreach – Inspiring the Next Generation
