Introduction

In terms of educational and professional movements, one four-word acronym has successfully dominated the conversation over the last several years. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) represent four closely related disciplines that meld into an interdisciplinary and cohesive applied learning approach. For primary and secondary students, taking classes in these subjects will allow them insight into a variety of college majors and career options. With the critical-thinking skills that naturally accompany such studies, STEM represents a key driver of innovation and advancements in a variety of industries such as healthcare, energy, transportation, and manufacturing. 

Healthcare and Biotechnology

Ever been to the doctor for an X-ray, MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging), CT scan, or ultrasound? Then you have experienced STEM in the healthcare and biotechnology fields. By developing these technologies, doctors and other medical professionals are able to see and even replicate incredible details of the human body, furthering their access to diagnose, monitor, or treat complex conditions. In addition to these diagnostics, STEM aids with the use of genetic engineering for targeted therapies. Compared to chemotherapy, targeted therapies represent a type of cancer treatment focused on the specific proteins and genes that keep the cancer alive. With its unique combination of factors, STEM has made leaps and bounds in both of these areas.

Energy and Sustainability

If you’re looking to go green, remember that another area in which STEM plays a major role is the energy and sustainability sector. These STEM careers focus on developing renewable energy sources and clean technologies such as wind power, solar power, hydroelectricity (tidal energy), and bioenergy. The opportunities for these kinds of careers will only increase as more varieties of energy sources are discovered and developed. And of course, you can’t talk about energy without including the word “efficiency.” STEM plays a huge part in the implementation of smart grid systems, which provide a two-way flow of data and electricity between power utilities and customers. 

Transportation and Infrastructure

A third area of professional careers in which STEM has an undeniable impact is in transportation and infrastructure. Whether they live in cities or the suburbs, transportation represents a crucial need for people across the globe. Commuting to and working in these cities requires a network of reliable transportation systems such as buses, monorails, subways, and more. Recent additions to safe and efficient transportation have come in the form of autonomous vehicles with technical engineers using their STEM knowledge and skills to create the future. With 21 billion dollars invested in autonomous electric vehicles in 2021, the industry’s commitment to innovation is driving us closer to a future where electric vehicles and autonomous driving are now the standard. On the other side of the engineering coin, civil engineers and urban planners are the ones using STEM to design sustainable cities to house all this development. It’s no secret that our society is moving forward, efficiently building and designing sustainable options for growth. That’s why TTA is dedicated to training and supplying tools to raise the next generation of engineers and STEM-related professionals.

Manufacturing and Engineering

Finally, STEM contributes significantly to the avenues of manufacturing and engineering in several ways. Each year, engineering students graduate with vital STEM skills that have taught them the value of innovation in their chosen field. For those who pursue careers in manufacturing, they have been able to experience the implementation of automation and robotics into various processes. In terms of civil engineering, a variety of tools have replaced the old way of doing things. For example, computer-aided design (CAD) software has become the norm for efficient product development. 

Technical Training Aids: Supporting STEM Industries

No matter the industry these days, STEM finds a way to be included in the conversation. The question then becomes, how do you find the best STEM resources for your K-12, college, or industry education programs? With plenty of practical hands-on tools at their disposal, your students will not just understand theoretical concepts, but they will also be able to implement them successfully in the workforce. Examples of TTA include our MINDS-i Drone Lab for robotics education, SOLIDWORKS Education Edition (an interactive CAD teaching tool), and Makerbot Method 3-D printer. 

Industry Insights and Success Stories

A 2023 Payscale college salary report found that the five highest-paying jobs included petroleum engineering, operations research, industrial engineering, interaction design, applied economics and management, and building sciences. TTA points to the objective success story in the Minnesota Independent School District 196 to prove how creating a K-12 path for STEM can offer opportunities for all students.

Before the term STEM started being used in the 1990s, major achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics included such innovations as the first cellular phone, the first personal computer, and the first artificial heart. Biologist and academic administrator Judith Ramaley devised the term in 2001 while at the National Science Foundation. More recently, President Barack Obama introduced legislation — Educate to Innovate Initiative — to increase STEM proficiency among U.S. students over the next decade with the hope to add 100,000 STEM teachers by 2021 (the halfway mark was reached by 2016).

As we can see, the applications of STEM are endless in everything from manufacturing and engineering to healthcare and biotechnology to energy to transportation. And the best part? There is still more to come. STEM education will create a variety of jobs that no one has even thought about yet, and the use of Technical Training Aids will spur industry growth for these career fields. Investing in STEM education positions you in a crucial spot as both a student and professional. By learning these concepts through practical tools provided by TTA, you will be light years ahead of your peers. 

Want to learn how TTA can integrate STEM resources into your industry or classroom? Let’s talk!