A new research report commissioned by the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) skills programme FOSTER (Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education & Research) has found that access to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) opportunities varies significantly in Oxfordshire, despite the county’s reputation as a global hub for education and research.
The study, carried out by social enterprise Connectr mapped the breadth of STEM engagement across the county. It aimed to identify how effectively opportunities reach young people and how schools, employers and outreach groups can collaborate more closely to prepare the future workforce.
One of FOSTER’s key objectives, is to improve the access to STEM and more specifically fusion-related opportunities for all, both locally and at a national level, to diversify the fusion talent pool.
The recently published report, highlights STEM engagement in Oxfordshire, considering both opportunities and barriers to strengthening the region’s pipeline of talent needed to meet the future growth in jobs and drive for wider, local economic prosperity.
Uneven access amid strong educational base
While nearly a third (30.2%) of Oxfordshire’s workforce is employed in education, far above the UK average of 8.6%, the research found that many young people still face barriers to accessing STEM pathways.
Unemployment in Oxfordshire stood at 4% in 2024–25, slightly higher than the national average of 3.8%, and one in four children (26%) lives below the poverty line. Rising property prices and transport costs were also identified as key obstacles for young people hoping to train or work locally.
Oxfordshire has an exceptional base of education and research talent, but access to opportunity isn’t equally distributed. This research shines a light on the strengths and gaps in Oxfordshire’s STEM ecosystem. By bringing together educators, employers, and outreach organisations, we can build a more connected pathway for young people into rewarding STEM careers. The event at Milton Park was an important step toward creating that cohesion.
– Nick Walkden, Head of Fusion Skills and FOSTER Programme Director, UKAEA
Fragmented but passionate STEM landscape
The research combined desk analysis with surveys, interviews and roundtable discussions involving teachers, employers, outreach providers and young people. It revealed a fragmented landscape, high levels of enthusiasm but limited coordination between different providers.
Teachers rated work experience, site visits and hands-on activities as the most effective ways to engage students. Employers prioritised internships and direct links to future career pipelines, while outreach organisations emphasised science fairs and virtual learning opportunities.
Across all groups, lack of time and funding were identified as major barriers to delivery. The report recommends stronger collaboration to reduce duplication of effort, start STEM engagement earlier in primary education, and better target underrepresented groups.
From research to action
To turn findings into practical steps, UKAEA and Connectr hosted more than 30 stakeholders at a workshop in Milton Park’s, ‘Bee House’ on 17 September. Delegates including representatives from education, business, and the local community developed a set of shared actions to strengthen Oxfordshire’s STEM ecosystem.
Agreed next steps include creating a shared database of contacts and resources and hosting regular forums to maintain dialogue between stakeholders. A post-event survey found that 77% of participants said the insights would shape their organisation’s future outreach work, while 85% reported building new professional connections during the event.
Connectr have been thrilled to partner with UKAEA to run this important STEM mapping project. Good quality, impactful STEM outreach is so important to helping Oxfordshire build the STEM talent pipeline and create a diverse, well-matched STEM workforce. This research has highlighted the great work that’s already happening across the county, and we look forward to seeing how this will be progressed.
– Will Akerman, Managing Director, Connectr
Building a long-term framework
The report’s publication marks the beginning of a longer-term effort to build a more cohesive approach to STEM engagement across the county. UKAEA and Connectr plan to continue convening partners and using the findings as a benchmark for future progress.
In the coming years, they hope to see a more connected network of organisations, a broader reach of STEM activities, particularly in deprived areas and a stronger local pipeline of talent ready to meet Oxfordshire’s growing demand for technical and scientific skills.