The future of industry starts with the youth of today
Taking a closer look at the UK’s first curriculum update in 10 years, and what this means for the future of industry
In November, the UK government released plans to bring the curriculum into the modern day, by introducing a focus on life skills such as finance and media literacy starting at primary school as well as expanded options for 16-19 year olds, with triple sciences, data science and AI.
The Department of Education confirmed that the new curriculum will be implemented in full from September 2028.
So, what does this change in the curriculum mean for the future of the UK’s industrial workforce?
- Looking into a STEM focused future
With a stronger focus on data, digital, and STEM skills, the updated curriculum will increase the options for students looking to go into IT and OT engineering careers after secondary school. This will be vital in supporting the IS-8 fast-growth sectors identified in the industrial strategy this year.
- Closing the skills gap starts in school
As UK manufacturing undergoes rapid transformation, it will need a new generation of workers with data literacy, AI awareness, and critical thinking skills. Therefore, providing young people with these skills from an early age will help them move from education into industry while experienced professionals are moving into retirement. Learning these skills early will create a foundation to close industry’s skills gap, encouraging rising talent, and industry experts to work together to better the UK’s industrial sector.
- Inspiring new careers for all
Research published in 2025 by EngineeringUK shows that between 2019 and 2023 interest in science among 11-14 year-olds declined from 76% to 71%. For girls specifically, the decline went from 75% to 65%.
These results show how limited awareness and exposure to the sector is narrowing young people’s perceptions of viable career options.
Under the new curriculum, a triple science GCSE and a new qualification in data science and AI for 16-18 year olds will engage young people and provide a route into science and tech careers that they may not otherwise consider.
In a 2024 report, England’s national careers education body, the Careers & Enterprise Company, suggested that young people growing career readiness as they journey through school, increasing on average from 49% at 11-12 years old, to 68% by age 15-16, and 79% by age 17-18. This data demonstrates when young people begin to feel confident in their career choices. The updated curriculum gives students opportunity to learn skills and knowledge needed to begin considering careers in STEM sectors by the time they reach the end of higher education. These early years skills will hopefully influence career readiness of 79% by age 17-18 to consider science and tech careers.
This new curriculum comes alongside the Prime Minister’s new ambition that two-thirds of young people should go either to university or take on a gold standard apprenticeship, aiming to get young people straight into aspirational career paths from the age of 19.
For now, the curriculum update is a step in the right direction for UK industry. It is so important that schools, organisations, and industrial businesses work towards a future where young people are encouraged and able to explore a career in STEM. The next generation will ultimately deliver the UK’s future industrial strategy, help tackle net zero targets by 2050, and drive industry towards a better future.
