- STEM Advisory Panel formed
- Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Klinken to chair the panel
- Panel to develop a State STEM strategy
Science Minister Dave Kelly today delivered on a key election commitment to form a STEM Advisory Panel chaired by the Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Klinken.
The panel, made up of industry experts, researchers and educators, will over the coming months focus on developing a State STEM strategy.
The STEM strategy will initially map Western Australia's STEM workforce, highlighting strengths and gaps in skills and expertise. It will then identify STEM growth industries with a vision to grow the local workforce.
Professor Klinken welcomed the Minister's commitment and direction to the panel.
The panel will work collaboratively to identify ways of promoting the importance of the key STEM skills of problem solving, critical thinking and innovation to employers, educators, parents and students.
It will work collaboratively to complement other STEM-related election commitments, such as $17 million to roll out science programs in up to 200 public primary schools including resources to create science labs, and making coding part of the school curriculum.
Comments attributed to Science Minister Dave Kelly:
"The McGowan Labor Government is committed to diversifying the Western Australian economy and creating jobs of the future through STEM-related fields.
"In Australia, 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations require STEM skills.
"Ensuring we have a skill ready workforce is critical if we are to capitalise on the emerging innovation economy to create local jobs.
"The development of the State STEM strategy is vital to our future economy and local jobs. That is why I have asked the panel to prepare this strategy by March 31, 2018."
Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"We must prepare our kids to take on the jobs of the future, while at the same time assisting our current workforce to adapt to innovations and changing environments by retraining and upskilling.
"That is why the STEM Advisory Panel will identify ways to promote the importance of the key STEM skills of problem solving, critical thinking and innovation to employers, educators, parents and students."
Comments attributed to Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Klinken:
"The core competencies provided by STEM subjects, including critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and rigorous evaluation, are skills that will be increasingly valuable.
"By supporting STEM uptake we will position our future workforce to be adaptable, flexible and innovative."
Science Minister's office - 6552 6100
Education and Training Minister's office - 6552 5700
