Clare students plumb for science and technology

A total of  83% of secondary school students in Clare believe that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects offer the best career opportunity, according to a new national survey.

In addition, the survey, which was commissioned by BT as organiser of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, revealed that over 83% of secondary school students in Clare plan to study a STEM subject at third level.

Conducted through Facebook and Twitter, and completed by over 1,000 students aged under 13 – 18 the survey took in a nationally representative sample across 26 counties. The survey also revealed 72% of students in Clare say that STEM subjects are promoted in their schools, with 65% of respondents believing that boys and girls are encouraged equally to study STEM subjects.

Those surveyed  have mixed views when it comes to their potential earnings. When asked how much money they expect to earn in their first year of full-time employment, in keeping with the national figures, the majority of respondents (41%) are expecting €15,000 – €30,000; 21% expect to earn €30,000 – €45,000; 17% expect to earn €45,000-€75,000, with 7% expecting to earn over €75,000 in their first year at work. Conversely, 14% of respondents expect to be paid under €15,000 in their first year of employment.