What is STEM?
- STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, a term that covers a broad range of industries, careers and practices we use every day in the modern world.
- STEM provides an integrated approach to learning that encourages students to think critically and solve complex problems by applying the principles of the four interrelated fields.
- STEM education is about more than just preparing students for specific jobs, it's about building a mindset of innovation, curiosity, and the ability to adapt to new challenges.
Why Do Girls Need STEM Skills?
In a world increasingly shaped by STEM and Entrepreneurship, encouraging girls to engage in STEM education is more critical than ever.
STEM education offers girls the keys to unlock a future filled with opportunities, equipping them with the tools to innovate, lead, and solve the current and future challenges of our times.
However, despite collective efforts across the country, the stats regarding women in STEM are still lagging.
Startling STEM Stats!
- In Australia, women make up only 28% of workers in STEM industries.
- Girls’ confidence in STEM subjects is lower than boys and falls as they get older.
- Girls only make up 25% of enrolments in year 12 IT, physics, and engineering classes.
- Women make up 37% of enrolments in university STEM courses.
- Only 15% of STEM-qualified jobs are held by women.
- Only 23% of senior management and 8% of CEOs in STEM industries are women.
However, the research shows:
- Gender diverse companies are 15% more likely to financially outperform their counterparts.
And the Grattan Institute has estimated:
- An extra 6% of women in the STEM workforce could add up to $25BN to Australia’s GDP.
Nurturing a passion for STEM in girls paves the way for a more diverse and inclusive future, where the unique perspectives and talents of women are recognised and actively contributing to a better and brighter Australian economy for everyone.
10 reasons why it's important that girls study STEM:
It improves critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills.
1
Self-esteem and confidence are boosted when they overcome challenges in STEM.
2
It opens doors to expanded career opportunities for high-demand, well-paying jobs.
3
It empowers girls to be innovators, creators, inventors and entrepreneurs.
4
They develop resilience when learning from failures in STEM
5
They break down gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields, improving equity for future girls considering a STEM career.
6
They develop life skills applicable in daily life.
7
They are more likely to aspire for leadership roles.
8
It equips girls to tackle global challenges and drive social impact
9
They are shaping the future. Women in STEM contribute to diverse perspectives in innovation and decision-making.
10
Parent’s Play a Critical Role
As a parent you have a major influence on your child’s engagement and achievement in STEM. In fact, parents are the most significant influencer in their child’s career and study decisions.
Many parents may not realise the impact they can have on their children when it comes to future aspirations. You may have your own personal biases towards STEM and women in STEM, or personal experiences that were negative and impact the way you talk about STEM in the home or community.
Things to consider in your role as a career influencer:
- Children often adopt your aspirations for their career path
- You model decision making as you navigate your career
- You may lack current information about future careers
- You may have your own preferred pathway for your child, that does not match theirs
The journey of young women into STEM careers can be complex. Many girls and women experience multiple biases and barriers that impact their desire to participate in STEM education or pursue STEM careers.
But research shows just 1 positive role model can reverse perceived biases 😯
You could become the positive role model needed to inspire your child and support them through the biases and barriers they may face.
Learn About Careers of the Future
Careers of the future are changing rapidly. The introduction of technology and artificial intelligence has meant that many current roles will be completely revolutionised by the time students are in the workforce.
Understanding what careers are available now and what could be in the future helps you guide your child into a stable and enjoyable career.
Explore Future Careers profiles to increase your knowledge, or to spark interest with your child about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Explore Future Careers
Careers Learning Modules
STEM Pathways and Course Selection
High school is a pivotal time for students interested in STEM, so choosing the right study path is important. STEMPower can help support you to guide your child through potential STEM pathways and high school course selection.
Explore resources, advice, and insights to help your child think about their interests (both now, and what they might change to in the future), understand the opportunities available, and make informed decisions about their education and future career.
Featured Resources
Through STEM, children engage creatively in real world problems, applying their understanding of STEM in integrated and innovative ways. Discover the pathways and subjects available.
The MyFuture platform helps parents explore information, tools and articles to help you support your child to learn about the world of work and explore careers.
STEM and 21st Century Skills Explained
The term “21st-century skills” refers to a set of abilities that apply broadly in our ever-evolving society. These skills include critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, information literacy, and adaptability – among others.
For parents, understanding these skills helps you guide your children to get involved in STEM study but also to become resilient, innovative, and responsible.
21st century skills achieved through STEM education help children work through challenges, work well with others, and adapt to change with a positive mindset.
STEM Skills in Everyday Life
STEM skills and 21st-century skills are not just academic tools they’re essential life skills that empower your child to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and creativity.
10 ways STEM skills can help your child:
1
Understand budgeting and managing personal finances wisely
2
Make informed health and nutrition choices
3
Navigate social media critically and safely
4
Plan and organise family or personal projects
5
Resolve conflicts with empathy and understanding
6
Apply digital skills for personal learning
7
Adapt to new community environments quickly
8
Understand global issues for informed voting
9
Utilise technology for efficient home management
10
Engage in lifelong learning and self-improvement
Whether managing finances, understanding health information, or making sustainable choices, the analytical and logical approach that is developed during STEM education can help your child manage these tasks more effectively.
Explore our transferrable skills guide and find out more information on how STEM subjects create transferrable skills for life.
Sparking STEMspiration
Encouraging your child to be more active in STEM can help them improve personal and academic growth, as well as lead to fulfilling careers that provide job security.
You can create an environment at home where curiosity is celebrated, questions are encouraged, and learning from failures is seen as just another step towards success.
By actively engaging with STEM subjects alongside your child, showing interest, and exploring the many future careers in STEM fields, you can help them see the relevance of STEM subjects now, even if they don’t know what their future career may be.
You can create the STEMspiration that fuels their drive to participate at school and develop skills that will help them throughout their life.
Explore STEMpower at home resources to create STEMspiration at home
Do you struggle with STEM?
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed when it comes to helping your child with their STEM homework or guiding them towards a STEM career path, you’re not alone.
Many parents face these challenges, but the key is to view them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Remember, your encouragement and support play a crucial role in your child’s success, even if STEM isn’t your forte.
There are a few ways you can approach supporting your child through their STEM journey. Here are just a few options to consider…
Upskilling in STEM
You could look at ways of improving your STEM skills such as participating in online courses or programs. You never know, you might even be inspired to pursue your own STEM career.
Resources
The Skills for Education and Employment program offers free, flexible training to build your confidence and skills. Improve your English, or focus on a foundation skill like reading, writing, maths or basic computing.
Find a Tutor
If increasing your STEM skills and knowledge is not right for you, there are a number of tutoring programs and platforms both online and in person that you could utilise to help your child improve their STEM skills and build confidence in their STEM studies.
Resources
Cluey learning is an online tutor platform for Australian students needing help with all sorts of subjects. They have programs for all ages, after school bootcamps and a wide range of options.
Alternative STEM Activities
While you may not be able to help with homework, you can utilise the STEMpower marketplace or resources area to discover at home activities you can do with your child that may also help to improve your own skills.
By exploring STEM together with your child and talking about your own STEM journey you can turn these moments into bonding experiences, showing them that learning is a lifelong journey and that perseverance and an open mind can overcome any challenge.
Consider a STEM Career
Are you a working parent, or looking at returning to the workforce? Have you considered a career in STEM? A career in STEM can open up a world of endless possibilities, not just for personal growth but also for making a significant impact on society and the future.
As a parent considering this path, you’re setting a wonderful example for your children about the value of curiosity, resilience, and innovation. STEM careers offer the opportunity to solve real problems, contribute to new discoveries, and shape tomorrows tech future.
There are several state and national government funded programs to help you explore a career in STEM.
Find new and different jobs you might already have the skills for!
You can explore:
- how similar they are to jobs you’ve done before
- if they’re in high demand
- what your training options are
- positions you can apply for right now!
We’re making training affordable and accessible so you can boost your skills and be job ready as the WA economy recovers. You can look at micro learning or longer courses, and there are financial subsidies available.
Consider a coding course to test the waters with a friendly and supportive group of women just like you! There are short one day courses and 6 month, industry led, in-person bootcamps.
