Bridging the STEM skills gap: Why VET in schools matters

Australia’s facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) trades. Master Electricians Australia (MEA)  believes an often-overlooked solution lies in transforming how we approach education. We advocate for integrating Vocational Education and Training into Secondary School (VETSS) curriculum , giving it equal footing with the traditional ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) pathway.

Why VETSS makes sense

• Unlocking potential: The current system caters primarily to academically-inclined students. VETSS opens doors for those who do not wish to pursue a traditional academic/corporate career giving everyone a chance to excel in STEM careers.
• Building a stronger workforce: VETSS creates a more skilled and adaptable future workforce by exposing students to trades earlier, fostering both transferable and job-specific skills.
• Enhancing diversity: By removing the stigma around vocational careers, VETSS can break down barriers and attract a more diverse pool of talent into STEM fields, including women and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Tackling the skills crisis: We urgently need more electricians and other skilled tradespeople, especially with the push for electrification. VETSS will help cultivate the next generation of technicians and tradespeople.

MEA’s call to Jobs and Skills Australia

In its submission to the Federal Government in response to the ‘Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA)’ Consultations, MEA stressed the need to prioritise VETSS within the 2024-25 work plan. This means:

• National roadmap: A national jobs and skills roadmap must include VETSS as a core element, recognising its value in boosting workforce capabilities. This will provide all students of all diverse backgrounds, including those living rurally and remotely the opportunity to work towards STEM trades, ultimately likely to result in alleviating the pressures we face from the skills shortage crisis.
• Collaboration: The Federal Government needs continuous input from industry groups (such as MEA) when developing the JSA to ensure policies reflect real-world needs and challenges.

A brighter future for STEM workers

Imagine a school system where aspiring electricians, engineers, and other STEM professionals get a head start through hands-on training before they even graduate. That’s the potential of VETSS. By supporting this initiative, the Federal Government through the JSA can help secure a more skilled, diverse, and resilient workforce for Australia, driving economic prosperity and innovation.

Read the full submission and other recent advocacy submissions here.