More efforts need to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematical literacy of students
The Queensland Division of Engineers Australia is calling for more attention on teaching science, mathematics and engineering concepts in ways that will excite interest and motivate young children to pursue secondary and tertiary studies and then pursue careers in engineering and technology.
The Queensland Division President of Engineers Australia, Dennis Wogan, said, “Skills shortages are at the centre of debate and concerns for both the Queensland and national economy.
“Engineers Australia estimates that there is already a skills shortage in excess of 20,000 professional engineers and that number is expanding as demands across Australia increase.
“If the opportunity to increase the engineering and technology skills base of Australia is not addressed through more students taking-up the necessary subjects in primary and secondary schools, then the longer-term prospects are bleak for an Australian-based skills base to meet demand.
“While the numbers of students who are completing Year 12 has increased, the proportion of students interested in studying chemistry, physics and advances mathematics has declined, and initiatives to address this decline need to be implemented as a matter of urgency, ” Wogan said.
Recommendations by Engineers Australia include:
A much higher priority on STEM education at the primary level, with subjects being taught systematically in all Queensland schools;
Stem programs be taught in a manner that is more engaging and hands-on for students;
Better incentives and recruitment programs for teaching mathematics and sciences;
Professional development requirements in STEM to be mandatory for all teachers and that government, industry, community, professional associations and educators be better connected to support the professional development of teachers; and
Government to take on a coordination and facilitation role to build existing programs into a more comprehensive STEM education for all Queensland students.
Media Contact: Ian McEwan – 07 3832 3749 / 0400 139 227
Engineers Australia in the peak representative body for the profession with an Australia-wide membership of 95,000
