P-TECH offers pathway to STEM success
P-TECH offers secondary school students an industry-supported education pathway to a STEM-related diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree.
Established in 2016 as a pilot program, Pathways in Technology, or P-TECH, provides opportunity for secondary school students to explore the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Working in partnership with schools and tertiary education providers, industry partners support project-based learning at school and in the workplace, and provide mentoring, work placements, paid internships and apprenticeships or traineeships to interested students.
Post-school, P-TECH students have the option to continue their study or pursue employment in a STEM field, including job opportunities with the school’s industry partners.
The P-TECH model features opportunities for students to connect and build relationships with industry partners and engage in hands-on, project-based activities, both at school and in the workplace. These experiences will help students to make informed decisions about their future careers and pathways.
Analysis of labour force data by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment shows that jobs in STEM fields are growing faster than other occupations.
Such is the demand for these skills that many other organisations have partnered with educational institutions to deliver the P-TECH model. Some of these include Mars Australia, Century Engineering, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SAAB and Brisbane Airport Corporation.
An evaluation of the pilot undertaken in April 2019 with students, teachers and industry partners found that P-TECH has resulted in positive outcomes for students in their engagement with STEM and their exposure to STEM-related career paths. Students reported new ways of learning and new aspirations for their future. P-TECH also resulted in significant benefits for schools, tertiary education partners and industry partners.
More information is available on the P-TECH website.
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