Demographics and why the STEM skills gap is upon us.

1st Dec 2011

Demographics and why the STEM skills gap is upon us.
We often talk of the impending, or future, or upcoming skills gap. We even spend (too much) time debating exactly what this means.
However, as far as I can see it is upon us.

If the number of articles appearing in the media, and statements from senior leaders, relating to skills is one of the measures, as it surely must be, then it must be starting to hurt.
I have been meeting quite a large number of industry and sector managers, and in each case I start the discussion on the issue of skills and demographics. Without fail it surprises them to learn that not only are they losing skills to retirement (which they know) but that the number of 18 year olds is declining over the next 10 years or so, before it then picks up in the following 10 years. This is a birth rate effect, and there is nothing that can be done about it.

So, given that we already have a STEM skills shortage for industrial and infrastructure projects that we know about and that are in planning or implementation, this means that we shall have to increase participation in STEM in a shrinking pool.
What can companies do about this?
In my opinion, companies need to invest in creating their own (or shared) talent pipelines. This can involve a package of initiatives but might involve creating partnership with strategic schools in their area, raising their profile to students and parents, providing careers awareness, explaining what jobs entail and the study routes to gain these.

The key is consistency, and above all to see this as a long term investment and NOT a cost.
I am convinced that there are thousands of very capable young people who don’t come from backgrounds where family members have been in STEM occupations, who will be very receptive to STEM opportunities.