In May this year, the WA Government announced the goals and pillars of Western Australia's first ever State STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills strategy to drive WA's future jobs and future skills with an initial $3.3 million investment to begin the delivery of the strategy over the next four years. 

Engineers Australia, in its election strategy paper presented to both sides of government prior to the last WA state election, stated a number of “asks” in relation to STEM futures; including developing more specialist teachers of maths and science, drawing on professional experience to inform and guide the educational needs of the future generation of engineers and aligning policies and programs that foster innovation with the educational requirements and professional development necessary to become an engineer.

Following the election of the WA Labor government, Premier McGowan announced the creation of an advisory panel chaired by WA's Chief Scientist Professor Peter Klinken to develop the goals and pillars of a State STEM skills strategy.  Susan Kreemer Pickford was appointed to the panel which comprises industry experts, researchers, educators and representatives of other member organisations.  In this capacity, EA has contributed to the discussions that have led to the funding of professional development of more than 1,000 teachers in lower socioeconomic public schools over the next four years, STEM communication, mentoring programs, and digital and technology programs. 

The panel will continue to provide advice on these and new initiatives to drive STEM skills to support the jobs of the future. The STEM skills strategy complements 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.

We are also currently in discussions with the Skilling Australia Foundation in regards to the implementation of the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology) pilot program at Cecil Andrews College (one of fourteen Australian Government selected sites across Australia).  The P-TECH pilot is an innovative model of education-industry collaboration that provides students studying for their Senior Secondary Certificate with an industry supported pathway to a STEM related diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree.  The P-TECH styled model is based on a partnership between the education, industry and community sectors focused on supporting young people making a successful transition from school to work, including opportunities with industry partners.

Engineers Australia hopes to tap into the growing pool of member volunteers engaging high school students through our EngTalk program to assist the pilot scheme.  If you or your organisation are interested to assist, please contact us.