Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects are increasingly important to our economic competitiveness because of the vital role they play in developing new technologies, high value products and an innovative economy.
Currently, Auckland is facing a market shortage in STEM related industries, driving a need for a more skilled workforce.
Research shows that the business sector is unlikely to engage with schools on STEM subjects directly. Instead, opportunities should be fostered so the sector can support intermediary organisations (often industry-led) to arrange scholarships, internships, competitions and events – making the intermediary organisations an important part of the STEM education landscape.
COMET Auckland is involved in the following initiatives, addressing current and future STEM industry needs:
STEM Alliance
From 2012, Auckland Council and COMET Auckland have aligned with government recommendations by organising workshops to connect STEM businesses and research organisations to explore their interest and roles in supporting STEM skills developmentin Auckland.
A key outcome of these cross-sector conversations has been identifying different platforms across the education sector to support STEM education:
- In schools: There is a need for ‘real world experiences’ that have relevance and are practically based. The focus therefore needs to be more on science at the primary level.
- Teachers: There was agreement about the need for students to go ‘deep’ even at a young age and it was recognised that confidence in teaching science could be a challenge for primary school teachers in particular.
- Parents: Were seen as an important part of the equation and it is important to support parents to give their children science-rich experiences.
- Careers Information: There was a perception among workshop participants that young people needed better information on careers and a better understanding of why science is important in everyday life e.g. keeping healthy.
- Media: Engaging with the media around STEM subjects was also seen as important and the use of social media to build dialogue and grow engagement was emphasised.
These workshops established the premise for the expansion of a broader, formalised Auckland STEM Alliance. The ASA is aimed at driving innovation-led economic growth and supporting a workforce skilled in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) to meet industry needs.
As a first step, we released the STEM Stocktake Report which evaluated the Auckland climate in regards to support STEM education. This report also established a broad strategic plan of the Alliance, and identified strategies to increase engagement in STEM education.
For more information, please utilise the documents below related to the work COMET Auckland is doing in STEM education:
