Pathways to
Careers in STEM
Dr Jonathan Heggarty
Belfast Metropolitan College
Email: jheggarty@belfastmet.ac.uk
Matrix Report
Strategic market opportunities over the next ten
years in five key sectors:





Agrifood
ICT
Life & Health Sciences
Advanced Engineering (Transport)
Advanced Materials
Matrix Report
Long Term Market opportunities
• Clean & Green Future World Market
• Health, Well-Being & Vitality Future World
Market
• Joined up & Connected Future World Market
• Safe, Protected & Secure Future World
Market
STEM Review, NI
There is a growing STEM supply and demand mismatch
• Decline in uptake greatest in the physical sciences and
mathematics
• There is gender imbalance in the STEM artery and the
imbalance increases along the artery until employment
• There is inadequate Careers advice for STEM students
• The curriculum needs to be made more exciting, real and
relevant and business has an important role to play in
this
What about the Economic Downturn?
• History shows downturns are followed by recovery
• History shows education and skills shortages
appear during an upturn, slowing the rate of
recovery.
• We need to invest now in skills needed for the
future.
• Many medium and long term economic trends
remain intact.
• STEM is fundamental for a clean , green,
sustainable future.
Science education delivers what employers want!
• Good communication and presentation skills, both oral and
written
• Self-motivation
• An interest in and an ability to pick up concepts quickly and
competently
• Analytical mind, problem solver
• Team worker
• Imagination and inquisitiveness
• Ability to learn new skills and implement them quickly
• Sound decision making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage own and others’ time
Pathways to a
Career
Agriculture, Anatomy, Analytical Chemistry, Astronomy, Biochemistry,
Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Plant Science, Oncology,
Cell Biology, Chemistry, Conservation, Computational Science,
Diagnostics, Drug Development, Ecology, Engineer, Environmental
Science, Forensic Science, Genetics, Genomics, Immunology, QA, QC,
Marine Science, Materials Science, Sport and Exercise Science,
Medicine, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Nanotechnology,
Neuroscience, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physics, Physiology,
Veterinary Science/Medicine, Proteomics, Medicine, Virology,
Zoology ….................
Degree
BTEC
Higher National Diploma/
Foundation Degree
GCE A level
BTEC
National Diploma
GCSE
Grades C
and above
BTEC
First Diploma
GCSE
Grades D - G
Routes to a
Career
Pathways to an
Career
Manufacturing, Software Chemical Biotech, Aeronautical, Electronics Civil
Environmental, Electrical, Chartered Mining, Construction, Industrial,
Structural, Agricultural Ceramic, Automotive, Incorporated, Petroleum,
Nuclear Acoustics Computer, Mechanical, Materials Marine Architectural,
Robotics, Production, Design, Process R&D, Telecommunications,
Transportation Instrumentation …
Foundation Degree
/ Higher Nationals
DEGREE
BTEC
Nationals
BTEC
Firsts
Apprenticeship
Level 2
Pre-Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship
Level 3
Routes to an
Career
Pathways to a
Career
Network Administrator, Software Testing, Software Architect, Systems
Analyst, Database Administrator, Security Specialist, Network Analyst,
Web Developer, Robotics, IT Consultant, Programmer, Help Desk Support,
IT Trainer, Telecommunications, Embedded Technology, Service
Technician …
Routes to a
Career