The STEM Education Report

The essential skills for future success

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May 2020

“STEM education that is relevant and high quality is key to Australia’s future”

– Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel

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What is STEM? 

STEM is an approach to learning that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through STEM, students develop key skills including:

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• Problem-solving

• Creativity

• Critical analysis

• Teamwork

• Independent thinking

• Initiative

• Communication

• Digital literacy

Learning STEM skills is essential in changing times

The global economy is rapidly changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation, and new jobs are emerging because of technological advances. As our industries change, so do the skills they require.

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By 2030, automation, globalisation and flexibility will change what we do in every job3. Currently, 75% of jobs in the fastest growing industries require workers with STEM skills7. Employer demand for STEM qualifications and skills is high however, research suggests in Australia 50% of current jobs that have skill shortages are actually in the STEM fields7. The need for STEM education is more prevalent than ever.  

To deepen the topic, data analysis was done by the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business shows that between November 2014 and November 2019, employment in STEM occupations grew by 19.7%, which is 1.9 times higher than the growth rate for other occupations6. Looking to the future, over the next five years, it is suggested that STEM occupations will grow by 11.6% whereas all other jobs are projected to grow at 7.5%5.

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Australia and STEM education

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In 2017, national and international research demonstrated a concerning and consistent long-term trend of student achievement in STEM disciplines either stagnating or declining2.

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The Australian Government regards STEM education as critically important for individuals and the future of the economy. Therefore, to combat these declining trends, as a nation Australia is dedicated to ensuring its students are equipped with the skills and capabilities to lead full and productive lives, become well-rounded individuals, and successfully enter the workforce2,4. Multiple programs, strategies, and funding initiatives have been put in place nationally to increase the uptake of STEM in schools and improve STEM education4:

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National STEM School Education Strategy 2016–2026. A 10-year comprehensive plan to develop STEM education, and promote problem-solving, critical analysis and creative thinking skills:

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• $64 million allocated to fund early learning and school STEM initiatives 

• $1.5 million to support the delivery of Artificial Intelligence in Schools

• $9.5 million for training teachers in STEM

• $2.35 million for the extension and expansion of Curious Minds (STEM Summer Schools for Girls) 

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FlipRobot Academy's approach to STEM

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At the FlipRobot Academy, our vision is to become the most trusted STEM education solution provider. With multiple engaging, hands-on STEM-based programs, FlipRobot Academy aims to empower youth to master the critical STEM-related skillsets for students’ future success. 

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The backbone of FlipRobot Academy’s STEM-based programs reflects what is happening in the real world. To increase participation in STEM disciplines it is important to bring awareness to the role STEM skills play in solving real-world problems and showcasing the extensiveness of STEM-related careers2.

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FlipRobot Academy’s STEM programs follow the principals of the Australian Government Department of Education see most critical for a successful STEM education program1.

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• Use inquiry-based learning 

• Solve real-world problems

• Teach integrated STEM learning 

• Equip and empower teachers 

• Create partnerships between schools, businesses, and community

• Engage parents and families

• Use technology as an enabler

• Differentiate for different levels

• Link education to 21st-century learning

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Citation

1. Best Practice Guide: Elements of successful school-industry STEM partnerships in October 2019. Australian Government Department of Education. Retrieved May 20, 2020.

2. STEM Partnerships Forum. (2017). Optimising STEM industry-school partnerships: inspiring Australia's next generation: an issues paper. Retrieved May 20, 2020.

3. Foundation for Young Australians. (2017). The New Work Smarts: Thriving in the New Work Order. Retrieved May 20, 2020.

4. Department of Education. (n.d.). Support for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Department of Education, Skills and Employment, Australian Government. Retrieved May 20, 2020, from

5. Innovation and Science Australia 2017, Australia 2030: prosperity through innovation, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved May 20, 2020.

6. Newsroom. (2020). Retrieved May 20, 2020, from

7. Department of Education Western Australia. (n.d.). Why STEM matters WA Department of education. Retrieved May 20, 2020.

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