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IET comments on A Level results

Published: Thu 17 Aug 2023

Today on A Level results day, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is celebrating Mathematics being the most popular subject and Computing seeing the biggest jump in candidates.

David Lakin, IET Head of Education, Safeguarding & Education Policy: “We’d like to congratulate students receiving their A Level results today.

It’s really positive to see that Maths remains the most popular A Level subject and that Computing has seen the biggest jump in candidates of any single subject. These results show that there is a real appetite for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning within young people as both are key engineering gateway subjects.

We now need to harness this and make sure we turn it into young people studying STEM subjects at university or via an apprenticeship and going on to apply for STEM roles in the future.

It’s no secret that the UK is experiencing a shortage of engineers, so there is a real need for more young people considering STEM careers and gaining the right balance of education, work experience and relevant careers guidance to pursue careers in the industry.

It must also be remembered that university is not necessarily the best route for all students aspiring to become engineers. Hands-on vocational courses, such as apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, as well as post GCSE T Levels, are just as strong qualifications when entering the engineering workforce.

There has never been a better time to get involved in STEM. A career in engineering and technology provides an exciting opportunity to make a difference by improving our world and shaping our future, touching every part of our lives.”

Getting into engineering

Find out more information about a career in engineering.

Go to https://education.theiet.org/secondary/careers/

Ends

Notes to Editors

About the IET

  • We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world.
  • We are a diverse home for engineering and technology intelligence throughout the world. This breadth and depth means we are uniquely placed to help the sector progress society.
  • We want to build the profile of engineering and technology to change outdated perceptions and tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.
  • Interview opportunities are available with our spokespeople from a range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and diversity in engineering.
  • For more information, visit theiet.org
  • Follow the IET on Twitter.

IET Media enquiries

Rebecca Gillick
External Communications Manager
rgillick@theiet.org

Sophie Lockyer
Senior Communications Executive
slockyer@theiet.org