Why work in STEM?

Here are some great reasons to work in STEM.

• Work in an area that interests you – STEM careers span a wide range of industries, from construction, IT, health and transport to entertainment, sport and food and drink.
• Choose a pathway to suit you – you can get into STEM through an apprenticeship, further education or higher education, or even a combination of these.
• Future-proof your career – the UK needs over 2 million new scientists, engineers and technicians by 2022* and STEM careers will continue to grow.
• Earn a good salary - the average salary for technology jobs in Scotland is £37,500, higher than the average of £28,000**.
• Travel the world –STEM qualified people are in demand throughout the world.
• Keep on learning – science and technology constantly changes and advances, so you will keep increasing your knowledge.

The work you do could contribute to the world in many ways! Imagine:

• researching new medicines that could save lives
• developing new sustainable construction materials
• advancing the technology used in aircraft and satellites
• helping to stop climate change and protecting the planet
• using robotics to develop medical technology
• making and fixing aircraft, cars, trains or ships to keep people and goods moving
• preventing hackers from accessing confidential data
• improving the lives of those with mobility issues and injuries
• developing or managing international communication networks
• designing or constructing all types of buildings, from houses to hospitals.

*10 great reasons to become a scientist or engineer, Tomorrow’s Engineers (2018)

**Scotland’s Digital Technologies: Summary Report, Digital Technologies Group (2017)