According to recent research from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Year 12 enrolments in STEM subjects accounted for 38% of total enrolments in 2022, a slight increase from 37% the year prior. Notably, female participation in STEM subjects rose from 45% in 2013 to 47% in 2022.
But despite the strong interest in STEM subjects among students, research shows a gap in resources and support that limits their ability to pursue these pathways effectively with only half (53%) of high school students feeling prepared for a future career in STEM.
As Australia races to fill the government’s target of 650,000 STEM jobs by 2030*, the challenge of adequately preparing students and supporting teachers has become increasingly urgent.
Research from Amazon suggests that while 97% of students study STEM subjects in high school, almost 1 in 3 (32%) do not understand what they can do with those studies. The study also found that despite 83% of students feeling supported by their teachers and school, many believe they lack the necessary role models and experiences to envision a future career in these fields.
Having a STEM role model makes students 80% more likely to continue studying STEM, however only one in three (33%) report having a positive STEM role model.
To address these gaps, Amazon’s student STEM program offers ‘Immersion Days’ for students in Years 3-12 who get to experience what careers in technology and engineering look like through hands-on activities and mentoring from Amazon staff working in STEM-related roles.
These activities include coding workshops and computer science courses tailored to provide real-world insights and skills, ensuring students gain a deeper understanding of how STEM applies beyond the classroom.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. We know how important role models are for young people in terms of aspiration and continuing to study STEM beyond high school,” Melbourne-based Astrophysicist-turned-STEMfluencer, Dr Matt Agnew, said.
“This is why it's so important we get more students involved in programs where they can meet people working in STEM and get first-hand experience through opportunities like Amazon’s STEM education program.”
Amazon’s study also highlighted the critical role that teachers play in addressing the STEM skills gap.
While 75% teach on average two (1.9) STEM subjects, STEM teachers face different and unique challenges and are more likely to find a lack of resources (57%) and training (33%) a challenge when teaching these subjects.
STEM teachers identified in-person workshops (57%), online courses (45%), and 1:1 mentoring as key to helping them teach STEM subjects more effectively.
To support educators in teaching STEM effectively, Amazon has co-developed a free Teacher Training course for educators in partnership with Code for Schools.
The course is designed to equip teachers with the tools and confidence needed to deliver a 16-hour ‘Introduction to Digital Technologies’ unit in their classrooms.
Teachers receive ongoing support from Amazon’s computer science professionals, who act as mentors throughout the program. This mentorship includes in-person classroom visits, regular check-ins to boost teacher confidence, on-demand assistance, and tailored support for advanced students.
“With technology continuing to evolve at such a rapid pace, it is essential that the next generation of students, especially those from underserved and underprivileged communities, are equipped with the knowledge, skills and mentors to be inspired to pursue a career in STEM,” Amazon Community Lead, Charlotte Richardson said.
Richardson said Amazon is uniquely placed to provide students with these skills.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to support students and teachers through our volunteering programs,” Richardson said. “Amazon’s STEM education program aims to inspire students and help support teachers to deliver engaging digital education lessons.”