The submission focuses primarily on employment issues related to engineering bachelors degree graduates; engineering trade skills are not discussed. Over the last two decades there has been little national attention given to educational development and employment opportunities for engineering technicians and paraprofessionals.
Further, attempting to improve predictability of future discipline demand has proven to be ineffective, especially given Australia’s low population and relatively small local market. As such, engineering degrees need to be positioned to be valued beyond employment prospects in specific occupations.
Engineering is important for a prosperous and sustainable future for Australia. Engineering helps create wealth from ideas and will be essential in solving problems in the future. ATSE has identified 3 National Technology Challenges for improving the quality and reach of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education at all levels:
- Improve STEM tertiary education, research and career training to meet future industry, social and economic needs
- Adopt effective pedagogies and educational practices within STEM education at all levels
- Support STEM secondary school teachers to improve teaching of STEM and STEM literacy
These National Technology challenges will be important in meeting Australia’s future engineering skill needs.