Concern over numbers studying Stem subjects for Leaving Cert

Engineers Ireland said industry demand is still outstripping supply

Some 57,000 students received their Leaving Certificate results yesterday with more than 3,700 failing Maths.
Some 57,000 students received their Leaving Certificate results yesterday with more than 3,700 failing Maths.

Concerns have been raised over the number of students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) subjects, despite a rise in candidates sitting higher-level maths in the Leaving Certificate.

Engineers Ireland said industry demand still outstrips supply for people with science degrees. It said for the first time in a number of years, overall the numbers opting for Stem subjects such as applied maths, physics, chemistry and construction studies, had not increased.

Adequate knowledge

SHOUT IT OUT: Chloe Nesbitt (left), Rachel Manley, Emma Keogh and Jennifer Burke get their Leaving Cert results at Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
SHOUT IT OUT: Chloe Nesbitt (left), Rachel Manley, Emma Keogh and Jennifer Burke get their Leaving Cert results at Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times

Engineers Ireland registrar Damien Owens said: “Now, more than ever, we need to encourage students at primary and post-primary levels to equip themselves with an adequate knowledge of Stem, to study engineering at third-level and go on to work in the profession.”

Some 57,000 students received their Leaving Certificate results yesterday with more than 3,700 failing Maths.

READ MORE

-PA