29 October 2021
Our commitment to increase the number of women in Australia’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce has continued with the annual Girls in STEM event for school students returning in 2021.
- More than 200 girls from 19 Perth public and private schools attended the event at NMTAFE’s East Perth campus on Friday 29 October.
- The Year 9s and 10s participated in a range of hands-on STEM activities in areas such as animation, cyber security, mining, engineering, surveying and robotics.
The number of women in Australia’s STEM workforce has gradually increased to 28% in 2020 however a disparity still exists.
NMTAFE Managing Director, Michelle Hoad, said NMTAFE wants to encourage young people, especially women, to choose training pathways that will lead to jobs in the STEM sector.
“Girls in STEM is directed toward young women secondary school students with the aim of encouraging and promoting participation in STEM areas, as well as raising the profile of VET as a successful pathway into a STEM career,” said NMTAFE Managing Director, Michelle Hoad.
“STEM subjects and careers aren’t just for those who love calculus and chemistry, the STEM industry needs people who can imagine, create and explore concepts in a variety of fields.
“It’s a hands-on career that actually makes a difference to address problems like climate change, health, famine and disease.”
Students spent the day experimenting with different components of STEM courses and careers, such as cyber security, animation, mining, engineering, lab technician, surveying and robotics.
Tanesha, a Year 9 student from Ballajura Community College, said she had found the event both informative and enjoyable and had provided her with a greater insight into the career and study options available in STEM.
“It’s been really good, it’s been very different, all the activities have been very varied throughout the day and the presenters have been great,” Tanesha said.
“I’d never been to anything like this before, I’d never been to a TAFE before, it’s been a good opportunity to find out about new jobs and the opportunities available at TAFE. “
The event was launched by Terry Healy MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training, with Training in STEM being one of the WA Government’s priority areas.
The North Metropolitan TAFE Jobs and Skills Centre staff were also on hand to provide course and career advice to the students.
Find out more about course and career options in STEM.