Industry needs more young scientists and mathematicians, says BAE chief | Technology | The Guardian

Industry needs more young scientists and mathematicians, says BAE chief | Technology | The Guardian:

Six out of 10 UK jobs will need engineering-friendly skills but only one student in 10 takes key subjects beyond 16

Pupils in a science class at Kirkley Middle School, Lowestoft, Suffolk. Not enough pupils are studying science and related subjects beyond the age of 16, according to BAE's Nigel Whitehead. Photograph: Si Barber for the Guardian

Britain faces a "national problem" over the lack of young adults studyingengineering-friendly subjects such as maths and science, according to a senior executive at Britain's largest manufacturing employer.

The head of BAE Systems' UK business, Nigel Whitehead, will warn in a speech on Friday that too few school leavers and undergraduates are tackling the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem).

Pointing to statistics showing that only 10% of people in the UK study Stem subjects beyond the age of 16, Whitehead predicts consequences for British industry because up to six out of 10 UK jobs over the next decade will require Stem skills.