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<p>The department recognises that the demand for skills in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM) is growing, and we are proud to be encouraging more pupils
into STEM at all key stages. We have put employers at the heart of the technical education
system, asking them to set out the skills and knowledge that they need now and in
the future. This has formed the basis of new occupational standards. So far, STEM
employers, including those in construction, digital, engineering and manufacturing,
and health and science sectors have developed 343 apprenticeships based on these standards.</p><p>We
are introducing T Levels, boosting access to high quality technical education for
thousands of young people, which are also based on the same occupational standards.
T Levels in Digital, Construction and Health and Science are now being taught and
T Levels in Engineering and Manufacturing will launch this September. A new campaign,
‘Get the Jump’, has been launched to help young people aged 14 to 19 to understand
their education and training choices. More information on this can be found here:
<a href="https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-your-education-and-training-choices"
target="_blank">https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-your-education-and-training-choices</a>.
T Levels are featured heavily in the campaign as an exciting new option for young
people alongside apprenticeships, traineeships and Higher Technical Qualifications</p><p>Alongside
this, we are investing up to £290 million to establish a comprehensive network of
Institutes of Technology across England. These are unique collaborations between further
education colleges, universities and employers specialising in delivering higher technical
education and training in key STEM subjects such as cyber security, artificial intelligence,
robotics, precision farming and health and life sciences. A key objective of the programme
is to increase participation from under-represented groups to support the long-term
STEM skills pipeline.</p><p>For those earlier on in their education, we are proud
to have made substantial spending commitments to improve the teaching and uptake of
STEM subjects in schools. We are offering a bursary worth £24,000 tax-free or a prestigious
scholarship worth £26,000 tax-free to train to teach the highest priority subjects
of chemistry, computing, mathematics and physics and a £15,000 tax-free bursary for
design and technology. In line with the Gatsby Benchmarks for good career guidance,
all schools are expected to provide at least one meaningful encounter with employers
per pupil per year, with an emphasis on STEM employers.</p><p>We have improved the
quality of technical awards. These non-GCSE qualifications are intended to equip 14-16
year olds with applied knowledge not usually acquired in general qualifications. They
are intended to focus on a sector or occupational group and enable the development
of knowledge as well as associated practical skills where appropriate.</p><p>Schools
have access to the STEM Careers toolkit which provides ideas and practical suggestions
on how STEM specific content might be used to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks. This includes
useful resources, examples of good practice and sharing STEM careers resources, such
as job profile examples, further study route information and labour market information
with teachers.</p>
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