STEM degrees are often seen as one of the best pathways to getting a job after college. However, companies report that there are not enough skilled technical workers to hire. As Education Technology reports, while half of Gen Z hold a job in tech or plans to get one in five years. They have “low confidence” in their digital skills, according to a recent CWJobs’ new report Digital Generation, which surveyed 500 leaders in information technology and 542 young people between ages 16–24. Some findings from the survey include: 

  • While it’s widely believed that young people tend to have an advantage in landing a tech job after college, just a quarter of them thought their age helped them. 
  • Just over half (56%) thought a career in tech seemed complicated, with young women 12% more 55likely to believe this than their male peers. 
  • % reported wanting greater advice from schools 

“A widespread lack of confidence may stem from young people being unsure what a career in tech entails,’” Education Technology reports. “In fact, tech leaders believe young tech talent is most needed in Cloud (28%), Artificial intelligence (27%) and Coding (26%).”

To make sure we have enough tech workers in the future, educators need to equip students with the tools and knowledge they need to be competitive in the 21st century. This means getting students interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) early. Engaging kids in STEAM isn’t impossible — you just have to make it fun! National  Engaging kids in STEAM isn’t impossible — you just have to make it fun! STEAM Day was founded in the early 2000s for this very purpose. On National STEAM Day, there are a number of ways to get kids interested in STEAM. Click here to learn more.

Teach Engineering Through Simple & Engaging Activities

Explore IEEE Try Engineering’s database of lesson plans to teach engineering concepts to your students, aged 4 to 18. Explore areas such as lasers, LED lights, flight, smart buildings, and more through our activities. All lesson plans are provided by teachers like you and are peer-reviewed.