Defining occupations in science, technology and engineering, mathematics, medicine and health

The knowledge and expertise required in the fields of science, engineering and technology, mathematics, medicine and health (STEM-M&H) are vital for the future growth of the UK economy. Innovation is driven by the application of such skills, and technological advancement demands their application across an increasing array of jobs. 

Measuring and monitoring STEM-M&H occupations provides statistical information that maps these skills. The STEM-M&H report (PDF), defines a set of occupations that require STEM-M&H skills for competent performance of their constituent key tasks and duties.

As a part of our programme of work around diversity and inclusion, the Society established a STEM Workforce Classification Group, tasked to make recommendations to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the definition of the STEM-M&H workforce, based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). The Institute for Employment Research at the University of Warwick undertook such work in 2017 , identifying unit groups of the 2010 version of the Standard Occupational Classification as STEM-M&H, STEM-M&H related or non-STEM-M&H. This report provides an update to that report to define the STEM-M&H workforce based on the 2020 version of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC2020).