UNEVOC Connect

STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly used in relation to education and skills. While STEM skills are becoming increasingly important for every type of job there are a number of sectors where STEM skills are integral, including aerospace, advanced manufacturing and digital. There are huge range of STEM occupations, including computer, scientists, network and computer systems administrators, database administrators, nuclear technicians, engineers, material scientists, microbiologists, biochemists, and many others.

The concept of STEM is defined from three perspectives: STEM field, STEM stream and STEM approach. STEM as a field covers traditional disciplines such as Medicine, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Statistics, as well as the more specialized disciplines such as Astrophysics, Biochemistry and Genetic Engineering. STEM Stream refers to enrolling of students in upper secondary school to a stream of their choice and inclination. STEM approach refers to a pedagogical strategy that emphasizes application of knowledge, skills and values from the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, in an integrated manner to help students solve problems encountered in the real world.