Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have a higher interest in technology-based careers than non-SEND pupils, research has suggested.
The poll of 7,200 young people in schooling years 7 to 13 by EngineeringUK and The Royal Society found almost half (47%) of both SEND and non-SEND students are interested in a future career in engineering.
Drilling down, more SEND students favoured a technology and computing career (43%) than non-SEND students (37%).
Between now and 2030 engineering and technology jobs are expected to grow faster than other occupations, EngineeringUK has predicted. Engineering jobs are expected to grow by a further 2.8%, adding 173,000 net new jobs.
The survey was published to coincide with National Careers Week earlier this month.
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 need to 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,” Gooch added.
Separately, a survey of teachers by EngineeringUK, has revealed that funding and time remain key barriers for delivering STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) outreach.
Almost all (90%) of teachers surveyed said they faced barriers to STEM outreach, such as after-school clubs and out-of-class activities.
The poll of 800 STEM teachers from across the UK found that, although a high proportion said they had engaged with STEM outreach in the last academic year, the majority (79%) had faced barriers.
Funding (52%) and time (49%) were the main barriers, while just over a fifth (22%) saying staff resources were also a barrier.
Some teachers polled highlighted additional costs, including hiring a cover teacher or travel for out of school activities, as issues.
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