Definition
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) do not form a single industry. They are more a collection of subject areas that are in demand by many different industries and companies, across London and beyond.
The science, engineering and technology industries together contribute over £68 billion a year to the UK economy and account for over a third of all UK exports.
These subject areas are crucial to all the other industries discussed in this section of London Colleges. In Information Communication Technology (ICT), Healthcare, Media audio/visual and Construction – as in many other areas of work – there is a considerable demand for employees with these skills.
Studying and working in STEM
The Sector Skills Agency for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies. Click on case studies or training and qualifications for more information. Includes information on Apprenticeships.
Set up by the Engineering and Technology Board, this site provides a gateway to the best science, engineering and technology resources on the web.
Institute of Physics careers page with lots of useful information, including help with CVs, careers advice and downloadable resources.
Careers information, case studies and help for those studying maths. Run by the Institute of Mathematics and the Council for Mathematical Sciences.
The IOB is the UK’s professional body for biologists. Their site features careers information and links to further resources.
The RSC is the largest organisation in Europe for the "advancing the chemical sciences" and their website has lots of useful information on chemistry.
Run by the Royal Society of Chemistry, this site has details about chemistry careers, and useful resources for students like an interactive interpretation of the periodic table.
Britain's national academy of engineering, with news, publications and advice on careers.
STEM in London
In London, all employers are looking for numeracy, literacy, management and interpersonal skills. There is a particular need for workers with higher level skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), graduates or those with higher level qualifications such as HNCs, HNDs and Foundation degrees.
These skills are vital to growing industries in London as diverse as biotechnology, electrical engineering, electronics, forensic science, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, retailing, financial and creative services.
The number of opportunities is huge and people with these skills and qualifications are in high demand in London.
Jobs and careers
Studying in one of these areas could lead into many careers. Science, research and manufacturing all need skilled workers in London, but equally computer games companies, music recording studios, firms providing financial services and product design companies all need people with high level skills in these areas too.
In short, if you gain a qualification in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, you’re making yourself one of the most desirable employees in London.
More about computer games
An interview with Nick Gray, who studied Mathematics and now creates virtual gaming worlds for computer games.
Science
Look here to find out more information about scientific research.
Growth areas include bioscience, pharmaceuticals and high level research and development. Areas like nanotechnology, quantum computing, photonics and sensors are forming the basis of new industries in the future, in particular in London.
More about technology and physics
Find out more about these emerging areas of science and their importance for the future.
If you’re currently studying physics, this site is designed to help you.
Find out more about Technology
The Reith Lectures 2005 took technology as their theme. You can download the lectures as text documents or MP3 files here.
One area of technology that has undergone rapid change is ICT and E-skills. Working in technology can allow you to improve people’s lives directly, through improved healthcare[link healthcare], better transport, plentiful food, better education and variety of entertainment.
It can also help you do good in other ways. Improved communication and technology allows the spread of information and awareness, allowing people to find out more about their world. Many charities have used technology to good effect. The UN have had tremendous success spreading their anti-poverty message through a free to download computer game.
Play the UN Food Force game yourself...
Tomb Raider meets Raiders of the Lost Ark. A game where you have to work in a crisis zone, feeding people and saving lives. Download it for free for PC or Mac.
Engineering
Engineering is undergoing change in London. Traditional forms of engineering and manufacturing still exist, but the need for workers with traditional skills for heavy, industrial work is being matched by a demand for professional and technical engineering skills.
Engineering in London is increasingly made up of newly emerging areas which involve using similar high level skills with new technologies often on a smaller scale, such as nanotechnology and biotechnology. These businesses operate in an international marketplace, and recruiting the right staff is crucial for London’s continued competitiveness.
Engineering is an important element of other industries, such as Sound and broadcast engineers in Media, Civil engineers in Construction and Telecoms engineers in ICT.
Maths
Maths is everywhere. It can be useful in almost every area of work. In many it is essential.
More about maths
Careers information, case studies and help for those studying maths. Run by the Institute of Mathematics and the Council for Mathematical Sciences.
An online magazine with interviews with people working in maths related areas, and fun stuff including the formula for taking the perfect penalty kick.
