The Nuffield Foundation
Work placements offered to Year 12 students are effective in increasing access to university courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), according to findings from this report from the Nuffield Foundation.
It is widely recognised that there is a shortage of skills in STEM subjects in the UK with a recent survey showing that over a third of employers report difficulties recruiting STEM skilled staff.
In addition, students from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly underrepresented in STEM. To help address these problems the Nuffield Foundation provides post-16 students the opportunity to undertake STEM research placements through the Nuffield Research Placements (NRP) programme. The programme aims to deepen students’ understanding of STEM subjects and research and to encourage them to pursue further studies and careers in STEM by arranging a four to six week STEM research placement for students between Years 12 and 13.