Three-quarters of primary school parents believe STEM subjects offer good job prospects
Three-quarters (74%) of adults believe that a career in STEM would offer good job prospects, yet only 35% are familiar with the kind of opportunities it presents.
These results are part of a survey conducted by Red C Research and released by ESB to mark the start of ESB Science Blast 2025, an RDS-led initiative, is a free educational programme which actively encourages child-led investigation and scientific discovery.
The survey found strong parental support for science, technology, engineering and maths education, with 80% of parents willing to back their child’s participation in extracurricular STEM activities. In addition, over half (54%) of the surveyed parents actively encouraged their children to pursue an interest in STEM subjects.
The non-competitive initiative aims to address inequities in STEM education by ensuring equal access for all students, with a 50/50 gender participation and a core focus on DEIS schools and Gaelscoileanna participation.
In the survey, almost half (48%) of parents with primary school-aged children stated they are satisfied with the STEM learning opportunities in the classroom. There is, however, a regional disparity as 40% of parents based in Dublin felt their child’s school offers adequate STEM support compared to 33% of those outside of Dublin.
Overall, STEM ranked third in importance among school subjects, underscoring the need for greater awareness and advocacy in this area.
The survey also revealed a gap in understanding regarding the term ‘STEM’, with 58% of participants admitting they did not have a clear grasp of the term.
Reaffirming their commitment to fostering STEM education, ESB and the RDS today announced a five-year extension to their partnership of ESB Science Blast.
Since 2019, ESB Science Blast has engaged over 70,000 pupils from all 32 counties, inspiring primary school pupils to explore the world around them and develop skills for the future, such as communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and curiosity.
Marguerite Sayers, deputy chief executive, ESB said: “ESB Science Blast has been a transformative experience for thousands of students across Ireland. Supporting ESB Science Blast is one way we help nurture a diverse talent pool and encourage children to see the endless possibilities a career in STEM can offer. We are proud to extend our partnership with the RDS and continue our mission to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
“The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the students is truly inspiring. Every year, the vast array of projects highlights the curiosity of primary school children as they investigate the science behind simple but intriguing questions. We look forward to welcoming students and their teachers to ESB Science Blast 2025”.
Niamh De Loughry, deputy chief executive, RDS Foundation, added : “ESB Science Blast exemplifies our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and addressing critical societal needs. As a cornerstone of our Science and Technology programme, this initiative aligns with our long-term vision for Ireland. By delivering a leading exemplary programme, we are developing a curious and scientifically literate population equipped with the skills to solve the challenges of the future. We are grateful for ESB’s continued support, which enables us to scale and amplify the impact of this vital programme, ensuring it reaches thousands of young minds across the country. This initiative also plays a fundamental role in supporting the Government’s efforts to make Ireland a leader in STEM education.”
ESB Science Blast takes place at RDS Simmonscourt from 3-6 March 2025; UL Limerick from 20-22 May 2025; and ICC Belfast on 3 June 2025.
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