Skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are crucial to Australia’s future economic prosperity, according to several recent high profile reports.

STEM has been the focus of reports by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), the Council for Economic Development Australia (CEDA), Australia’s Chief Scientist and Deloitte Access Economics for the Australian Computer Society (ACS), amongst others.

PWC's “A smart move” report concluded that there would be a “$57.4bn increase in GDP if we shift just 1% of our workforce into STEM roles”.

CEDA’s report on Australia’s future workforce suggests "almost five million jobs face a high probability of being replaced in the next decade or two” due to “digital disruption”.

In Australia’s Digital Pulse, ACS forecasts high demand for technology workers in the future. Coming technological changes like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data will make STEM education more essential study and lead to growing career opportunities in STEM fields.

All levels will be in demand, with particular focus on technician and technologist roles. The need for programmers and systems analysts is also evident from recent work by Google.

“The number of people employed as design, engineering, science and transport professionals increased 23 per cent between 2006 and 2011. There was also strong growth among ICT professionals (19 per cent), and engineering, ICT and science technicians (19 per cent).” (CEDA, 2015).

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Ian Chubb, reinforces this in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Australia’s future report, saying: “International research indicates that 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations now require STEM skills and knowledge.”

NSW syllabuses in STEM subjects and Vocational Education and Training pathways provide breadth of opportunity for students to pursue their interests and abilities in STEM with inquiry based, hands on learning, and the opportunity to solve real world problems.

National Science week was an inclusive event embracing all of the “sciences”: mathematical; engineering; and technological in addition to the “traditional” Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science and Physics. This broad interpretation reflects the Chief Scientist’s encompassing view of the sciences. The great success of National Science week highlights the growth in public understanding of the importance of STEM skills and knowledge.

The office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, Mary O'Kane, is currently managing the Premier’s awards for Science and Engineering.

The Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education award will recognise a primary or secondary school science, technology, engineering or mathematics teacher:

• who has motivated and inspired students to become involved in student-centred investigation
• whose work impacts on the science and/or mathematics participation and performance of students in their school.

Nominations close 5pm, Friday September 11.  Details are available at http://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/premiersprizes. The nomination form is available at http://bit.ly/1IYcHS8.

For more information, contact:
Peter Thompson
Inspector, Technology Education
peter.thompson@bostes.nsw.edu.au
(02) 9367 8454

Kerry Sheehan
Inspector, Science
kerry.sheehan@bostes.nsw.edu.au
(02) 9367 8144

Peter Osland
Inspector, Mathematics and Numeracy
peter.osland@bostes.nsw.edu.au
(02) 9367 8103