Measuring STEM in vocational education and training

Description

The concept of ‘STEM’ (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) has influenced many education and workforce strategies and policies. Generally, the focus has been on how the school and university sectors can help equip the workforce with the STEM-related skills and knowledge considered necessary for the changing economy.

This paper explores ways to measure how the vocational education and training (VET) sector is contributing to the development of STEM-related skills. Better measurement of STEM in VET can help to identify supply and demand for education and training, assess (and improve) outcomes and efficiency, direct funding and resources, and properly inform students’ choices.

For further information, two support documents are available below:

• Defining ‘STEM’ skills: review and synthesis of the literature
• Identifying STEM occupations: national and international approaches.