Updated science strategy: Cook Government fails to meet own target to get more Year 12s in STEM subjects

Not only has the Cook Government failed to reach its own target of getting more kids into science, technology, engineering or maths courses — it has slipped backwards on the key measure. A comparison of two reports on building STEM skills — considered vital to fill a growing number of jobs in medical technologies, defence, cybersecurity and robotics — shows the State Government is falling dismally short of its own aim to get more students into science and maths in high school. In 2019, the government released its STEM skills strategy which committed to a target of 85 per cent of Year 12s completing two or more STEM courses — or STEM-related vocational education and training qualifications — by 2024. But a new strategy released on Thursday shows the percentage of Year 12s studying at least two STEM subjects or vocational qualifications is now sitting at just 68.9 per cent — even lower than the 70.7 per cent recorded five years ago. The report noted that course selection for Year 12 and university students had been impacted by a range of factors, including the availability of alternative pathways to university. “STEM uptake would benefit from targeted support in some areas,” it said. “For example, the percentage of Year 12 students in WA studying at least one advanced mathematics, chemistry or physics course has decreased from 21.5 per cent in 2018 to 18.2 per cent in 2023.” In the 2019 document, then Science Minister Dave Kelly included the 85 per cent target in his foreword. But the 2024 document made no mention of the original target, or the government’s failure to reach it. A press release jointly issued this week by Science Minister Stephen Dawson and Education Minister Tony Buti announcing the updated strategy claimed that “around 90 per cent of Year 12 students studied STEM subjects or STEM VET qualifications in 2023”. The accompanying report clarified that referred to the percentage of Year 12s who studied at least one course — not two courses. And that figure also fell, from 90.6 per cent in 2018 to 88.8 per cent last year. Despite the decline in the proportion of Year 12 students in STEM courses, a State Government spokesperson noted their total number had increased in the past five years by 3.28 per cent. “The data provided in the strategy is consistent with nation-wide trends showing a slight decline with students deciding to explore alternative pathways,” the spokesman said. “The Cook Government is focused on ensuring our local industries have the skilled workforce they need to grow and innovate with everyone accessing future opportunities in STEM fields, regardless of gender and background. “The Government’s updated strategy provides a refreshed five-year approach to enhance opportunities for school, VET and university students to undertake STEM courses, and ensure the benefits of STEM careers are showcased, especially for those underrepresented groups.”