Leading business lobby the CBI says ministers should make careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) more attractive to youngsters and easier for them to access.

It has called on government to cut tuition fees for certain STEM courses, as well as develop new routes into training for workers and create one-year “crossover qualification” to boost skills in this area.

The qualification would allow people not taking STEM courses to switch back to them before going on to do a degree.

In a report published today, the group says sectors from the advanced manufacturing and creative industries to the green economy could be under threat unless ministers back them at school level and beyond.

Katja Hall, CBI chief policy director, said: “Growth and jobs in the future will depend on the UK having a workforce that can exploit new technologies and discoveries.

“The growing skills vacuum is threatening the recovery, as demand from firms is outstripping supply.”