Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help increase the number of women in STEM jobs.

We’ve made great progress in increasing the number of girls studying STEM subjects but we need to do more to get women into STEM roles to meet the demands of today’s workforce. To support that we have launched a new STEM returners pilot that will encourage those who have taken a break to care for others back into work – giving them the opportunity to refresh and grow their skills in sectors where their talents are most needed. Announced on International Day of Women and Girls in Science by the Minister for Women and Equalities, the STEM ReCharge pilot will provide personalised employability support to technology and engineering returners in the Midlands and the North of England. It will also provide support and training for STEM employers on supportive returner hiring and inclusive recruitment practices. By supporting STEM returners, there is a significant opportunity to increase the number of women in STEM jobs, address skills shortages and boost our economy.