Role Models and Case Studies Report

The Science for Careers Expert Group Action Plan published in March 2010 identified the need to expand the breadth of role models and case studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) beyond traditional academic, research and HE to include those illustrating “the excitement and satisfaction achieved from real jobs”. 

This project investigated the range and type of role models and case studies already available to promote STEM subjects and careers to young people.  Dr Pat Morton of the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University then assessed these resources using the new IAG Standards framework for evaluating existing resources against extracted and cross-referenced standards. Her findings include:

• The length and type of media used for the case studies varies and they may not cover all of the basic information you would expect.
• Case studies can often be difficult to find on organisations’ websites.
• There is under representation of technicians and apprentice level case studies.
• Black and minority ethnic case studies are not widely available.
• Low visibility of case studies of those with disabilities.
• The majority of case studies were from large employers.

The report contains a list of 25 excellent exemplar role models/case studies for organisations to draw on for good practice.

Recommendations include:

• Organisations producing the resources need to think much more about their target audience and how the resources might be used, by whom and in what settings.
• Organisations need provide clearer signposting for young people to make case studies easier to find on their web sites: blogging and similar communications could increase access to this type of careers resource.
• There is a need to increase the social diversity of examples and a shortage of case studies at technician and apprentice level and in the areas of chemistry, computing, energy and power, food, materials and built environment.
• While many existing resources do show "the excitement and satisfaction achieved from real jobs" there is also plenty of scope to improve.
• With some simple changes and better coordination, all of these case studies could have a greater impact to support entry to STEM subjects and careers.

The full report can be downloaded here (pdf 267KB)