The impact of technology in higher education

Abstract

We need to encourage education providers to design programs that enable science and maths graduates to work easily and willingly in many different sectors of the economy. The destinations and roles of science and maths qualified people in the workforce has been identified as a major gap in in our understanding. I will discuss the results of two major projects, which we have commissioned to better understand the place of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) qualified people in the workforce: 1. A study by the ABS of STEM graduates in the workforce - how many there are; their occupations; and employment growth. 2. A survey of employers to understand their demand for STEM graduates and the skills that they are seeking These results will assist in defining the programs of education in science faculties that will assist graduates to obtain skills required by a range of workplaces. I will also discuss the activities of our Industry Working Group, which provides advice to Australia’s Chief Scientist about mechanisms to improve the quantity and preparedness of graduates to meet Australia’s future work force needs. The Industry Working Group has membership from the Business Council of Australia, the Australian Industry Group, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Universities Australia, the Australian Technology Network of Universities, the Australian Collaborative Network on Education and the Office of the Chief Scientist.