A new report by EngineeringUK, School Report: What Teachers Know and Think About Routes into Engineering and Technology, explores STEM teachers' knowledge, perceptions and confidence in advising students on career pathways into the sector. The findings highlight the crucial role of teachers in shaping career choices and the need for better support to help them guide students towards careers in engineering and technology.
Understanding teachers' knowledge and recommendations
The report, based on a survey of 800 secondary and further education (FE) STEM teachers conducted in August 2024, reveals that:
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83% of teachers are aware of the subject requirements for engineering and technology careers, and 85% would recommend the field due to strong job prospects, pay, and career progression.
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Teachers are a key source of career advice, with 75% involved in career planning and 68% integrating career guidance into lessons.
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Despite high awareness of T Levels (89%), only 11% of schools offer them, indicating barriers to adoption, including industry placement shortages.
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Teachers equally recommend university degrees and apprenticeships (36% each), but only 4% suggest other vocational routes such as BTECs or T Levels.
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While 53% of teachers feel confident advising on vocational pathways, nearly half lack confidence, demonstrating a need for further support and resources.
The need for stronger support and clearer guidance
The report highlights the critical role teachers play in shaping students' career choices and calls for:
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Greater clarity on qualifications like BTECs and T Levels to help teachers provide well-informed advice.
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Enhanced support for teachers to improve their understanding of vocational pathways.
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Raising the status of vocational routes to match that of academic qualifications, ensuring students are aware of all viable options.
By addressing these challenges, we can strengthen the talent pipeline and future-proof the engineering sector. CIBSE will continue to work alongside educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure that young people have the knowledge, opportunities, and encouragement to pursue careers in building services engineering.
For more details, read the full report HERE
Bridging the skills gap – CIBSE’s perspective
The built environment faces a critical skills shortage, making it more important than ever to inspire the next generation of engineers. CIBSE is committed to addressing this challenge by supporting initiatives that attract young talent into the industry and promoting awareness of the diverse career pathways available in building services engineering.
Encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM is key to securing the future of the profession. This means not only championing traditional academic routes but also elevating the profile of vocational and technical qualifications such as apprenticeships, T Levels, and BTECs. Teachers play an essential role in this, and ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to guide students towards careers in engineering is vital.
At CIBSE, we actively engage with education providers, industry partners, and professional bodies to promote STEM education and provide clear career pathways for young people. Through initiatives such as mentoring programmes, industry placements, and knowledge-sharing events, we aim to ensure that all students—regardless of their chosen route—see engineering as an exciting, rewarding, and accessible profession.