A new study called Jobs of the Future estimates that science, research, engineering and technology jobs will grow at double the rate of other occupations between now and 2023 (the year girls currently choosing their GCSEs are expected to start entering the work-place); there will be 142,000 extra jobs.

The study from the independent ‘think tank’ Social Market Foundation (SMF) (www.smf.co.uk) was commissioned by EDF Energy, as part of a programme to inspire more girls to consider science and technology careers.

To coincide with the study, EDF Energy has launched a Virtual Reality film to help girls see successful women at work in STEM-related careers.

Viewers will visit EDF Energy’s offshore wind farm in Teesside with renewable-energy research engineer Claire Canning, the top of the Shard building with structural-engineer Roma Agrawal and an East London shared workspace with computer-coder Claire Mitchell.

Nida Broughton, chief economist at the SMF, said: “Investments in infrastructure and the pace of technological innovation mean that the growth in science, research, engineering and technology careers will continue to out-pace other occupations.

“That’s a big opportunity for today’s girls — and a challenge for the Government’s Industrial Strategy. It’s essential that we invest in skills and training so that the UK can meet this demand; encouraging more women to consider science will be critical to our success.”