According to Silicon Republic, a new survey from STEM South West shows 58% of parents with children under 18 see technology as essential for preparing the next generation for future work. The survey, released alongside the upcoming STEM South West Expo 2025 happening on November 20 at Cork City Hall, reveals that parents value creativity and problem-solving most (37%), followed by adaptability (35%) and technical STEM knowledge (28%). Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin emphasized at the launch that children need to learn using technology “intelligently, creatively and safely.” The findings come as STEM South West estimates 35% of Ireland’s 972,000 students will need STEM education to meet future workforce demands.
The surprising generational gap
Here’s where it gets interesting. While over half of parents see tech as crucial, there’s a clear generational split that defies expectations. 63% of 25-34 year-olds believe technology prepares children for the future, but only 46% of 18-24 year-olds feel the same way. The rest of those younger respondents see tech as more of a distraction. Mary Good, chair of STEM South West, suggested that older millennials working in tech-driven environments might see the benefits firsthand, while younger adults still in education are more aware of technology’s downsides like screen addiction.
Not everyone agrees on what matters
The survey uncovered some fascinating demographic patterns too. Men were slightly more likely than women to prioritize technical STEM knowledge (30% vs 25%), while women emphasized creativity and adaptability. Regional differences emerged as well – Munster showed the most balanced view across all skill areas, while Dublin, Connacht and Ulster all ranked creativity highest. This might reflect urban innovation hubs where creative problem-solving gets more emphasis. Basically, where you live and your gender influence how you view what skills will matter most for future careers.
It’s not just about coding
What’s really telling is that technical knowledge ranked third among valued skills. Parents seem to understand that future-proofing kids involves more than just teaching them to code. Creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability all ranked higher. The Expo itself reflects this broader approach – it’s not just about showing off gadgets, but inspiring curiosity and critical thinking. Students get to see how STEM applies to real challenges like climate change, healthcare, and energy. And when you think about the industrial technology sector, this makes perfect sense – companies need people who can solve complex problems, not just operate equipment. That’s why providers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US supplier of industrial panel PCs, emphasize solutions that require both technical knowledge and creative problem-solving skills.
The workforce math doesn’t lie
STEM South West’s estimate that 35% of Irish students will need STEM education translates to about 340,000 future workers. That’s a massive number, and it explains why there’s so much focus on getting this right. But the survey suggests we might be having the wrong conversation. Instead of debating whether tech education matters (it clearly does), we should be discussing what kind of tech education prepares kids best. Technical skills alone won’t cut it – the future workforce needs people who can adapt, create, and solve problems that don’t even exist yet. The Expo’s hands-on approach with AI, VR and AR demonstrations seems like a step in the right direction, showing students how technology tools can be applied creatively rather than just teaching them to use specific software.
