One in Four Young People Still See STEM Careers as “For Boys,” New Jaguar Land Rover Survey Reveals

A new UK survey commissioned by Jaguar Land Rover has found that one in four children aged 10 to 14 believe careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are more suitable for boys.

The study also discovered that 40 per cent of girls have never taken part in a coding or robotics club, even though three quarters (75 per cent) said they would consider a STEM career in the future.

Researchers say the findings show how early stereotypes continue to influence children’s choices, limiting the diversity of the next generation of scientists and engineers. Confidence and access — rather than interest — remain the biggest barriers for many girls and young people from under-represented backgrounds.

Education experts warn that such bias can take root long before secondary school, shaping how children view their own abilities. They say more needs to be done to ensure that STEM subjects are presented as open and exciting for everyone, regardless of gender or identity.

Jaguar Land Rover commissioned the poll as part of its wider commitment to inspire young people into technical and engineering careers. The company’s outreach projects aim to show that talent, creativity and curiosity — not gender — are what truly define a future in STEM.

The research highlights an important message for parents, teachers and students alike: science and technology are for everyone. Encouraging curiosity, providing equal access to activities and challenging stereotypes early can help build a more diverse and innovative generation of problem-solvers.