The Western Australian Government will invest an initial $3.3 million in the first ever State STEM skills strategy to drive WA’s future jobs and skills.
Minister for Science, Dave Kelly, said the initial investment by the State Government is the beginning of the delivery of the strategy over the next four years.
This funding will be used for professional development of more than 1000 teachers in lower socioeconomic public schools over the next four years, STEM communication, mentoring programs, and digital and technology programs.
A panel, made up of industry experts, researchers, educators and chaired by WA’s Chief Scientist Professor, Peter Klinken, developed the goals and pillars of the strategy.
The strategy aims to:
- Prepare students with STEM skills for the jobs of the future
- Upskill the current workforce with STEM skills that are required to embrace a technological future
- Increase the participation of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups
- Increase STEM culture and the community’s recognition of the importance of STEM skills
The strategy will complement other government election commitments in STEM, including $17 million for science programs in up to 200 public primary schools including resources to create science labs and making coding part of the school curriculum.
The State Government will also be seeking support from industry to partner in the development and resourcing of future STEM programs.
By 2030, it is estimated that workers will spend double the amount of time solving problems and 77 per cent more time using science and mathematics skills.
