Science Minister Dave Kelly and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today launched the McGowan Government's STEM campaign to ensure young Western Australians are ready for the jobs of the future.
The campaign message 'Take 2 STEM' aims to encourage more WA students to select at least two STEM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths - especially those entering Years 11 and 12 or those considering a vocational pathway.
The campaign also speaks to parents and school staff as research shows they are students' key influencers when selecting subjects.
As Western Australia begins its economic recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic, Take 2 STEM aims to build skills in young people that will position them to be ready to take on the jobs of the future.
The success of the State's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the vital importance of STEM skills and highly capable professionals in responding to complex social and health challenges.
WA is already a leader in technologies such as cyber security, data analysis, remote operations, robotics and medical research, and Take 2 STEM will build on these strengths to ensure the State's workforce has the capacity to attract investment and remain globally competitive.
The campaign will also emphasise that STEM skills go beyond the lab; these are skills that are critical across a broad range of industries and vocations.
South Metropolitan TAFE's Munster campus plays a key role in delivering STEM-based training for new technologies including Industry 4.0 and automation.
The Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations, currently being delivered as a pilot program to secondary students, has achieved positive student engagement and outcomes. The course will be available to all secondary schools from Semester 2, 2020.
The Take 2 STEM campaign features videos of a range of Western Australian STEM champions, a website and a logo co-designed by WA young people.
Part of the Government's State STEM Skills Strategy, Take 2 STEM includes a focus on increasing participation in under-represented groups, including girls and women, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and Aboriginal students.
The campaign will initially run from today (June 8) until August, the decision-making period for upper school and vocational education subjects.
The Take 2 STEM website is http://www.take2stem.com
As stated by Science Minister Dave Kelly:
"As a State Government we recognise that strong STEM skills are essential if we're to have a globally competitive and innovative workforce that can drive Western Australia's technological future and create jobs.
"As we have learnt through the COVID-19 pandemic, skills such as problem solving, creative thinking and innovation are vital in responding to modern challenges, and STEM subjects build these abilities.
"We need to prepare our young people for the jobs of the future, reskill our current workforce and engage all Western Australians in STEM education, careers and culture."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"As secondary students consider their course options for their senior years, we are asking parents and teachers to start the conversation with students about the value of STEM skills.
"I encourage young people to study at least two STEM subjects in Years 11 and 12, and consider STEM courses at university or the vocational education and training sector."
As stated by Chief Scientist of Western Australia Professor Peter Klinken:
"One of the incredible things I have witnessed through the COVID-19 pandemic is talented, innovative and skilled Western Australians stepping up to help and flatten the curve - we must ensure we continue to nurture these abilities in our young people.
"STEM subjects provide the best framework to develop the range of skills our children need for the jobs of the future.
"Whether helping to design or run the more efficient mines of the future, solving the next global pandemic, or building technical machines, STEM skills will be needed.
"I am excited about the Take 2 STEM campaign and its ability to help students to make informed decisions about courses to secure their futures."
