Expanded STEM program taps into talents of Australian women

As part of the expansion of the Australian Government’s Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program, up to 600 women will be encouraged to study science, technology, engineering and maths while they’re working. The program provides grants to higher education providers to deliver a range of qualifications that employees can undertake part-time, alongside employment.

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the program’s popularity has led to the number of places increasing from 500 to 600.

Minister Tudge said the program upskills Australian women by allowing them to combine work and study to get a qualification in STEM, adding that getting qualifications in these areas will give participants important skills that can help them get ahead in their current role and help them find future jobs.

“We want and need more women in STEM, and increasing the number of places available in this program will help us move towards that goal,” said Minister Tudge.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the program will encourage higher education providers to connect with industry, adding that STEM skills are increasingly important across the economy.

“STEM skills will be in high demand as the future of work evolves, so increasing the number of women in STEM is an economic imperative as well as the right thing to do,” said Minister Andrews.

The $25 million Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program is part of the 2020–21 Budget. A total of 37 STEM courses were approved in a recent application round, including an Associate Degree of Engineering, Diploma of Applied Data Science, Advanced Diploma of Cyber Security, Diploma of Science and Associate Degree in Agribusiness.

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