The National Assembly for Wales’ Enterprise and Business Committee undertook a follow-up Inquiry into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Skills

Terms of reference:

• What impact has the Welsh Government’s strategy Science for Wales and Delivery Plan had on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in Wales?
• What progress has been made in addressing the issues identified in the Enterprise and Learning Committee’s 2011 inquiry into the STEM agenda, including:
• The adequacy of provision of STEM skills in schools, further education colleges, higher education and work-based learning (including apprenticeships);
• Value for money from the additional funding to support and promote STEM skills and whether the current supply of STEM skills is meeting the needs of the Welsh labour market;
• The supply of education professionals able to teach STEM subjects and the impact of Initial Teacher Training Grants and the Graduate Teacher Programme on recruiting STEM teachers and education professionals;
• The effectiveness of education and business links between education institutions and STEM employers.
• Whether any progress has been made on addressing negative perceptions and gender stereotypes of STEM and promoting good practice to encourage women to acquire STEM skills and to follow STEM related careers.
• What progress has been made on learning STEM skills through Welsh medium education and training?

Evidence from the Public

The Committee held a public consultation to gather evidence on this topic.