The discussion centers on the declining number of students pursuing physics in further and higher education, which has been highlighted in recent news. Participants express concern over this trend and seek to understand its causes. One contributor questions the validity of the claim and suggests researching statistics from reputable sources, noting potential differences between the UK and US data. Concerns are raised about the quality of physics education, with alarming statistics indicating that a significant portion of physics teachers lack relevant degrees. The conversation also touches on the shift in student interest towards engineering and chemistry, driven by job market demands, and the perception that vocational subjects are prioritized over technical ones like physics. The emotional and financial motivations behind career choices in engineering are discussed, with some expressing a desire for a balance between passion and monetary compensation. Overall, the thread reflects a shared sadness over the decline in physics enrollment and highlights systemic issues in education and career pathways.
