What the Australian Government is implementing to ensure younger generations are equipped to contribute to the growing and lucrative technological industry.

There is no denying that our society is becoming inherently dependent on technology; it is ubiquitous, touching almost every part of our lives, our communities, and our homes. Because of this, the technological industry is also highly lucrative and thus an imperative contributor to the global economy. The demand for new developments within technological innovation are creating legitimate business opportunities within the health, fitness or finance sector, to name a few.

The Australian Government have recognised the significance of the technological boom sweeping the nation and consequently have put policies in place in both primary, secondary and tertiary education to foster and develop the relevant knowledge and skills of our future generations, and ensure Australia remains at the forefront of technological innovation. These policies are part of the STEM schools initiative, where the government has committed an extra $12 million to restore the focus and increase the student uptake of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  The STEM schools initiative will also ensure that students are better equipped to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy.

Two of the key policies within the STEM initiative that impact directly on technology, are the ‘Coding Across the Curriculum’ programme and the ‘P-Tech’ model. Coding Across the Curriculum focuses on introducing computer coding across different year levels within Australian schools. The program will lead to greater exposure to computational thinking and ultimately, expand the pool of ICT-skilled workers in Australia.

Currently, the Department of Education and Training is working with states and territories to develop resources for teachers and includes the development of a web-portal by Education Services Australia. This portal will include annotated teaching and learning resources and lesson plans that are mapped against the Australian Curriculum, as well as case studies of best practice and information about coding careers.

Meanwhile the P-Tech pilot is based on a partnership between education and industry that is focused on supporting young people to make a successful transition from school to further education, training and work.

The P-Tech pilot will utilise existing Australian qualifications and actively engage the industry in the learning and development of young people. Industry involvement, collaboration and mentoring will create direct links between what students are learning in school and the requirements of the modern workplace. The pilot will also provide secondary students with an industry supported pathway to a STEM related diploma or associate degree. Students will then have the option to continue their study at the tertiary level or pursue employment in a STEM related field, including job opportunities with industry partners.

Not only is the P-Tech pilot initiative a great opportunity for TAFE and universities to partner with students specialising in technological and computing fields, but it is also provides Registered Training Organisations that specialise in ICT and computer science with direct access to a relevant student base.

Both initiatives have currently entered the ‘trial’ phase and already present exciting opportunities for both the technological industry and the relevant higher education and vocational institutions. To find out more about these initiatives and how your Registered Training Organisation can get involved visit the STEM schools initiative web page.