The Department of Education has launched a campaign to enable students to have greater access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training.
The campaign message, Take 2 STEM aims to encourage more students to select at least two STEM subjects, 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.
Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said that as Western Australia began its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Take 2 STEM aimed to build skills in young people that would 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,” Ms Ellery said.
“The campaign will also emphasise that STEM skills go beyond the laboratory; these are skills that are critical across a broad range of industries and vocations.”
She said Take 2 STEM featured videos of a range of Western Australian STEM champions, a website and a logo co-designed by the State’s young people.
Minister for Science, Dave Kelly said strong STEM skills were essential if the State was to have a globally competitive and innovative workforce.
“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,” Mr Kelly said.
“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,” he said.
