Enterprise and Learning Committee

Inquiry into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills

Terms of reference

The Enterprise and Learning Committee has agreed to carry out a new inquiry and wishes to consider:

• The adequacy of provision of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills in schools, further education colleges, higher education and work-based learning (including apprenticeships).

• The additional funding to support and promote STEM skills and whether the current supply of STEM skills is meeting the needs of the Welsh labour market, including international comparison with selected relevant countries and regions.

• The supply of education professionals able to teach STEM subjects and the impact of Initial Teacher Training Grants andthe Graduate Teacher Programme on recruiting STEM teachers and education professionals.

• The effectiveness of education and business links between education institutions and STEM employers.

• The implementation and impact of strategic policies and government initiatives to foster STEM skills including the role of the Chief Scientific Adviser, the National Science Academy and the Welsh Government’s 'Skills that Work for Wales and For our Future (higher education) strategies and A Science Policy for Wales (November 2006)'.

Written submissions should be sent or emailed to the Clerk of the Committee by 3 November 2010.

Siân Phipps~
Clerk to the Enterprise and Learning Committee
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay CF99 1NA
sian.phipps@wales.gov.uk