This year’s A-level results provide a mixed picture for STEM education. The good news: more girls are taking subjects that can lead into engineering and technical careers. The less welcome news: while participation at school is getting closer to balance, the gap between those classroom choices and entry into the engineering workforce remains significant.
For the construction equipment sector, these results are more than an academic milestone – they’re a glimpse into the future talent pipeline. Engineering skills underpin our industry, from designing machines and manufacturing components to developing low-carbon technologies. Without a steady stream of skilled young people entering the sector, the challenge of filling roles – already pressing – will only intensify.
Nearly a third (31.3%) of A levels taken by girls in 2025 were in core-STEM subjects – a 1.7% increase on last year – but girls still make up only 42.8% of core-STEM entries compared to 48.9% for boys.
Mathematics remains the most popular A-level, with 112,394 entries in 2025. Female participation rose 4.9% to 41,883 entries, representing 37.3% of all maths A levels. While that’s slightly down from 37.7% in 2024, maths remains a critical gateway into engineering, manufacturing, and technical careers. In the construction equipment sector, these skills are essential for everything from structural calculations and performance modelling to telematics data analysis and precision manufacturing.
Physics climbed from ninth to sixth most popular subject, with entries at an all-time high of almost 45,000. Female participation grew 7.9%, but women still represent only 24.1% of entrants. Physics underpins mechanical design, materials engineering, and product testing – all vital areas for our industry’s innovation and safety standards.
Computing saw female participation rise from 17.5% to 18.6%. In the construction equipment sector, computing skills feed directly into areas like machine control, automation, AI-driven diagnostics and telematics platforms.
Environmental Science surpassed 2,000 entries for the second year running and reached a rare milestone: gender parity at 50.1%. With the sector under increasing pressure to decarbonise, skills in environmental monitoring and sustainable design will be crucial for future equipment development and site operations.
Biology remains female-dominated at 64.4% of entries, despite a fall in overall participation. Chemistry participation has stayed steady at 56% female, with both subjects supporting specialisms like materials science, battery technology and alternative fuels.
Among the subjects with relevance to engineering, Design & Technology saw female participation rise to 32.7% – its highest in years. Alongside maths, physics and computing, D&T develops practical skills in design, problem-solving, prototyping and technical drawing, which can support careers in equipment design, manufacturing processes and product innovation. Digital Technology also saw a female increase to 27.7%, reflecting the growing integration of digital systems in machinery.
However, the transition from A level STEM subjects to engineering careers remains limited. Only 8% of female maths and physics A-level students go on to engineering or technology degrees, compared to 23% of male students. In the UK workforce, women make up just 16.9% of engineers.
Viki Bell, CEO of the CEA, said:
“It’s encouraging to see more girls choosing STEM subjects at A level, but the figures also remind us how much potential is being lost between the classroom and the workplace. The construction equipment sector depends on engineering talent – we need to keep supporting schools, colleges and industry initiatives that inspire girls to see engineering as a place where they belong, and where their skills are valued.”
The CEA will continue to work with industry and education partners to build those pathways – and ensure the next generation of engineers includes all the talent and creativity our sector needs.
https://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/a-level-results-2025/