19 B2 | 7. Klasse | READING | School and education students are 50% more likely to leave their STEM course than male counterparts, and STEM students from ethnic minority groups are more likely to be in non-engineering jobs six months after graduation. In the workplace, fixed beliefs around suitability for STEM careers must be tackled immediately. The promise that STEM offers is inadequate for the multi-dimensional reality of economic development and growth. Rapidly changing technologies and global competition make it very difficult to predict occupational needs. While there is clearly a demand for scientific and technological knowledge in all countries, it’s been suggested that there is not as big a shortage of STEM-related workers as previously thought. Too much focus on STEM alone runs the risk of over-saturating certain sectors rather than producing a well-rounded workforce. Furthermore, while educating young people in these subject areas may ensure they are experts on specific topics, it does not necessarily create hardworking citizens who have strong reasoning skills and are able to make responsible social and financial decisions. So, what’s the solution? Making sure all young people receive the education and training to become responsible economic citizens is key to securing future economic stability. A more rounded approach to educating and equipping young people with knowledge and skills presents a more comprehensive solution than relying on a one-sided focus like STEM education. To avoid having a workforce that’s ill-equipped for the modern day, young people must be provided with a comprehensive social, financial and livelihoods education, and have the opportunity to develop a range of skills. UNICEF1 stresses the importance of this type of education being discussed in a range of sectors, and notes that it is now more important than ever for young people to become competent and confident in achieving results to the best of their abilities. It is crucial that we adequately support the employees of tomorrow to prevent financial crises and support future economic stability. Recent research by Aflatoun International, a non-governmental organisation that educates children about their rights and responsibilities, found that, within their primary school programme, 91% of children had positive savings attitudes after participating in social and financial education. The findings noted the benefits of early-age intervention and noted the success of social and financial education programmes, which are taught in a holistic manner. Statements T F First four words 0 The author questions whether having a STEM qualification is as good as people say. But is having a 1 The author’s opinion is that the focus on STEM subjects fails to consider a wide variety of circumstances. 2 STEM careers attract graduates from both sexes and all classes. 3 Companies urgently need to rethink their attitudes regarding STEM. 4 Worldwide, it seems that there is a greater lack of STEM employees than expected. 5 There is no guarantee that studying STEM subjects improves one’s ability to reason. 6 UNICEF believes that various job sectors should welcome students who don’t have a background in STEM subjects. 7 Aflatoun International found that only a small minority of students were aware of the importance of saving. 1 UNICEF: the United Nations Children’s Fund, is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODE3MDE=