Table 4.

Participants’ views on the effects of STEM education on the workforce.

Theme	Category	Code	Quotes
The effects of STEM education on the workforce	Positive effects	Promoting the workforce (n = 14)	“STEM education has a positive impact on the workforce. People with potential are more sought after and are more likely to be hired by employers.” P1
		Providing the necessary knowledge and skills for working life (n = 13)	“STEM education helps people develop problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills. For example, a factory worker might discover a way to use machines more effectively.” P11
		Creating new jobs (n = 10)	“Technological developments such as increased automation with artificial intelligence and the Digital Industry create new jobs.” P3
		Creating new professions (n = 8)	“Students will face different professions in the future. New professions will emerge soon. For this, I believe that our students should receive STEM education to develop their existing but untapped talents.” P26
		Increasing productivity (n = 6)	“STEM education turns students into productive people…” P13
		Contributing to economic growth (n = 1)	“STEM education has a significant impact on economic development.” P18
	Negative effects	Causing unemployment (n = 2)	“As production increases, labor will not be needed in some areas. But the workforce will increase partly because it creates new job opportunities.” P29
		Technological unemployment (n = 1)	“STEM education will help reduce human-related forces because it directly affects technology.” P24

^*More than one answer.