STEM Subjects

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Education and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 3:00 pm on 18 May 2022.

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Photo of Gareth Davies Gareth Davies Conservative 3:00, 18 May 2022

I appreciate that answer, Minister. The vast majority of problems facing today's Wales can be addressed by having more scientists, engineers and mathematicians. Mathematicians have devised better surgery scheduling in order to eliminate cancelled operations. We need more doctors, radiographers and lab technicians in order to tackle our horrendous waiting lists, and if we are to address climate change, we need more scientists and engineers working on new battery technology and grid storage. Studying STEM subjects teaches one of life's greatest skills, which is critical thinking, a skill needed above all others in this age of disinformation. Minister, in order to gain the next generation of scientists and engineers, we have to train the next generation of scientists and engineers. How is the Welsh Government working with science outreach projects and science communicators in order to get young people hooked on STEM from a young age?