Britain's ability to create sustainable wealth depends on a strong knowledge base in science-related fields. UK employers need to recruit the country's brightest and most talented people today to ensure they can compete successfully in tomorrow's global markets.
Up to the age of 16 girls to at least as well as boys at sciences and maths yet many choose not to continue with these subjects. for instance at 'A' level approximately three times as many boys take physics as girls and four times as many take technology, which indicates a huge waste of talent. It is imperative therefore that exmployers ensure they have available to them the talent and expertise of all potential scientists and engineers, regardless of gender.
'Tapping the Talent' explores some of the barriers both perceived or real that are discouraging girls from utilising their full talent and help to explode some of the myths and contradictions that exist.
'Tapping the Talent' will also highlight what can be done by employers to encourage more girls to consider and pursue SET careers through a series of case-studies. It sets out the business reasons for employers to become involved and gives guidance on how to get involved at each key stage. The booklet also draws from the conference 'Engineering Change' held in Autumn 95 attended by educationalists and employers.
'Tapping the Talent' has been produced by Opportunity 2000 and members of its Education Steering Group in co-operation with Aim High.
Hard copies can be obtained by contacting:
Opportunity 2000, 44 Baker Street, London W1M 1DH.