Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government is taking to increase the number of women taking up careers in science and engineering.

Girls are just as likely to do well in science, technology, enginerring and mathematics (STEM) GCSEs as boys and the number of girls taking STEM A Levels since 2010 has increased by 20%, but there’s more to do.

STEM careers have a 19% pay premium and we are spending over £12m per year on programmes to increase take up of physics, computing and maths A Levels; for example, the Stimulating Physics Network which provides specific support to address the low uptake of physics.

Apprenticeships are also a crucial route into engineering and that’s why the National College for High Speed Rail will be delivering apprenticeships in the industry and focusing on getting more young women to apply.