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BIS and DCSF respond to the Science for Careers Expert Group report

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 03 March 2010

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) today welcome the publication of the report from the Science for Careers Expert Group.

BIS and DCSF would like to thank Diana Garnham and her Expert Group for this important piece of work.

Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:

"Young people have a natural sense of wonder about the world. We must tap into it so today’s students and pupils are inspired to blaze a trail in science careers.

"The range of opportunities to discover science is amazing. Whether at our world-class universities and colleges, or through vocational opportunities such as modern apprenticeships, it’s vital to provide young people with clear advice and information on acquiring the skills needed to succeed.

"We’ve made significant progress in recent years to improve careers advice in our schools, colleges and universities. In Higher Ambitions we outlined how we wish to build on this and will now also consider the recommendations in this excellent report."

Schools Minister Iain Wright said:

"Science is everywhere in our lives and science education can be the launch-pad into all sorts of different careers. So it’s vital all young people, of all backgrounds, and who might be studying academic and vocational subjects, are aware of the exciting science-related careers available to them.

"We particularly welcome the recommendation that subjects such as art and design, design technology and geography are seen as routes into the sciences as well as more traditional science subjects.

"The report will build on the work we’ve already done, including our new careers guidance strategy, Quality, Choice and Aspiration, to give students suitable and exciting routes into science."

Notes to Editors

1. The Science for Careers Expert Group report can be downloaded at http://interactive.bis.gov.uk/scienceandsociety/site/careers/

2. Quality, Choice and Aspiration, launched by DCSF in October last year, can be found at http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DCSF-00977-2009 &

3. Five independent expert groups were created in May 2009 by Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson. These groups aimed to engage the science community, media, public, business and policy makers to help change cultural attitudes to science in the UK.

4. The Science for Careers Expert Group – headed by Diana Garnham, Chief Executive of the Science Council – aimed to develop an action plan to:

co-ordinate and improve the provision and accessibility of careers advice;
better communicate the value of science skills in the workplace and therefore the opportunities that are available to those who study science, including building on the Science:[So what? So everything] campaign;
build partnerships between business, schools, colleges and universities to enhance the provision and quality of work experience and provide more opportunities for scientists to become role models to encourage people to study science;
develop mechanisms for widening participation within the scientific workforce;
encourage greater awareness and take up of opportunities for informal adult learning in science.

5. For more information, please contact Rachel Clarke, BIS press office, 18002 020 7215 5945, rachel.clarke@bis.gsi.gov.uk or Oliver Lane, DCSF press office 020 7340 8111, oliver.lane@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk.

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.

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