What is STEM?
Posted on 11th April 2025 at 17:11
No matter what line of work or industry you find yourself in, it is almost guaranteed you will encounter something that requires STEM learning in some capacity, such is the broadness of the blanket the subjects fall under. It plays a major role in the UK’s economy and workforce, but there is currently a large skills gap, with employers looking out for workers with STEM skills across a range of sectors. But with all this in mind, what is STEM?
Let’s start with the easy part: what it stands for. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and maths, and it refers to the areas of study encompassed by these four subject areas. Some STEM learning can be done in a classroom or behind a screen, but practical, hands-on learning is vital for gaining relevant skills and experience that prepare students for the work environment.
These skills can include critical analysis, teamwork and digital literacy, but the hands-on experience provided from STEM learning is one of the most invaluable things you can get from a course in one of the four STEM categories. The categories are often banded together due to the similarities they share in learning practices, both in theory and practicality.
What is a STEM subject?
So long as a course involves one of the four subject areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), it qualifies as being a STEM subject. This includes computer science, architecture, civil and electrical engineering, economics and so much more, so there are various options out there for people seeking a career in STEM.
Why is STEM so important?
This is more important now than ever, particularly when looking at the STEM skills shortage across the country. The UK government is aiming to adopt growth scenarios that could see STEM employment grow by 4% by 2030, and the demand is there for skilled trainees and students to fill those new vacancies.
Due to STEM’s greater involvement in day-to-day life, be it technological advancements or medical science breakthroughs, a greater focus has been placed on having a more rounded understanding and knowledge base across any of the four STEM subject areas.
STEM not only plugs skill gaps, but also teaches vital problem-solving skills which can translate into many aspects of life, as well as encouraging creativity to help solve real-world problems, through an interest and knowledge of science and mathematics.
How Lincolnshire Institute of Technology supports STEM qualifications and career opportunities
The Lincolnshire Institute of Technology is a partnership between nine education providers across Lincolnshire, and they all offer a range of STEM qualifications suitable for people at any stage of their education journey.
Our partners include the University of Lincoln, University Campus North Lincolnshire, University Centre Grimsby, Boston College, Grantham College and University Centre, Lincoln College, Riseholme College and Lincoln UTC.
We work with three core employment partners - Bakkavor, Quickline Communications and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust - as well as being supported by hundreds of employers who use the education and training facilities of our education partners.
To find out more about how you can kickstart your career in STEM, click here to read our blog on the topic.
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