Assembly Committee to examine STEM skills in Wales

4 October 2010

The development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills will be examined in a new inquiry by the National Assembly’s Enterprise and Learning Committee.

It will assess a number of key areas including funding and adequacy of provision of these subjects in schools and in further and higher education.

It will also examine the supply of education professionals able to teach STEM subjects and whether the current supply of STEM skills is meeting the needs of the Welsh labour market.

Other areas to be assessed by the Committee include the progress made by the Welsh Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser and the National Science Academy in promoting the STEM agenda.

Chair of the Enterprise and Learning Committee, Gareth Jones AM, said: “It is vital that Wales can produce the skilled workforce required for driving a healthy, sustainable economy.

“This inquiry will establish what opportunities and support is being provided in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through our education institutions and through work-based learning.

“It will also examine how the Welsh Government’s various initiatives and strategic policies support the STEM agenda.”

Anyone wishing to submit evidence for consideration by the Enterprise and Learning Committee can email enterprise.learning.comm@wales.gov.uk or write to the: Clerk to the Enterprise and Learning Committee, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1NA.

Enterprise and Learning Committee