New program from Amazon Australia aims to bridge the gap for students, teachers and the economy
Sydney, Australia, November 3, 2024 7PM AEDT - New research highlights the resource and support gaps faced by teachers and students in tackling Australia's growing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills shortage.
Despite strong interest in STEM subjects among students, research shows a gap in resources and support that limits their ability to pursue these pathways effectively with only half (53%) of Australian secondary school students feeling prepared for a future career in STEM.
As Australia races to fill the government's target of 650,000 STEM jobs by 2030*, the challenge of adequately preparing students and supporting teachers has become increasingly urgent.
Amazon Australia conducted research with students and teachers to understand their critical needs and has launched a new STEM program specifically designed for students and teachers from underprivileged and underrepresented schools** to help expose them to real life applications of coding and AI, and experts in the industry.
You cannot be what you cannot see: students witnessing STEM careers IRL
The research indicates that while 97% of students study STEM subjects in high school, almost 1 in 3 (32%) do not understand what they can do with those studies.
Though students feel supported by their teachers and school (83%), many believe they lack the necessary role models and experiences to envision a future career in these fields. Having a STEM role model makes students 80% more likely to continue studying STEM, however only one in three (33%) report having a positive STEM role model.
To tackle the gaps identified, Amazon's student STEM program has been designed to offer Immersion Days for students in Years 3-12, hosted at its fulfilment centres and corporate offices in Sydney and Melbourne. The aim is to provide students with direct exposure to technology and engineering careers through hands-on activities and mentoring from Amazon staff working in STEM-related roles:
● Coding Workshops: Students engage in interactive coding activities with miniature robots, designed to make programming concepts accessible and fun for younger age groups.
● Computer Science Courses: For older students, Amazon mentors provide students with an introduction to careers in digital technology and help them to develop practical skills relevant to the modern workforce.
These experiences are tailored to provide real-world insights and skills, ensuring students gain a deeper understanding of how STEM applies beyond the classroom. By giving students a taste of potential career pathways, the program seeks to build confidence and inspire continued engagement in STEM fields.
Melbourne-based Astrophysicist-turned-STEMfluencer, Dr. Matt Agnew, is working with Amazon to shine a light on the positive pathways available with a career in STEM and to help inspire future students.
"You can't be what you can't see. We know how important role models are for young people in terms of aspiration and continuing to study STEM beyond high school. This is why it's so important we get more students involved in programs where they can meet people working in STEM and get first-hand experience through opportunities like Amazon's STEM education program, said Dr Matt Agnew."
Supporting Teachers for Effective STEM Education
Teachers are pivotal in addressing the STEM skills gap and 75% teach on average two (1.9) STEM subjects. However, STEM teachers face different and unique challenges, with the research showing they are more likely to find a lack of resources (57%) and training (33%) a challenge when teaching these subjects.
STEM teachers identified in-person workshops (57%), online courses (45%), and 1:1 mentoring as key to helping them teach STEM subjects more effectively.
Recognising the critical role teachers play in STEM education, Amazon has co-developed a free Teacher Training course for educators in partnership with Code for Schools. The course is designed to equip teachers with the tools and confidence needed to deliver a 16-hour "Introduction to Digital Technologies" unit in their classrooms. Hosted at Amazon's warehouses, which are equipped with the latest generation logistics technology, teachers are exposed to the real-life applications of the content they are learning through the course.
Teachers receive ongoing support from Amazon's computer science professionals, who act as mentors throughout the program. This mentorship includes in-person classroom visits, regular check-ins to boost teacher confidence, on-demand assistance, and tailored support for advanced students. The aim is to ensure teachers are not only trained, but continuously supported as they implement the curriculum, enhancing both their skills and their students' learning experiences.
By the end of 2025, Amazon expects to support the STEM education of over 15,000 students through the student and teacher courses. This includes students who are educated as a result of teachers' who have delivered the "Introduction to Digital Technologies" unit.
Amazon Community Lead, Charlotte Richardson said, "With technology continuing to evolve at such a rapid pace, it is essential that the next generation of students, especially those from underserved and underprivileged communities, are equipped with the knowledge, skills and mentors to be inspired to pursue a career in STEM. Here at Amazon, we are uniquely placed to provide students with this inspiration and are grateful to have the opportunity to support students and teachers through our volunteering programs.
"Amazon's STEM education program aims to inspire students and help support teachers to deliver engaging digital education lessons."
