New research highlights the resource and support gaps faced by teachers and students in tackling Australia’s growing STEM skills shortage.
Despite strong interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects among students, research shows a gap in resources and support that limits their ability to pursue these pathways effectively with only half (53 per cent) of Australian secondary school students feeling prepared for a future career in STEM.
As Australia races to fill the government’s target of 650,000 STEM jobs by 2030¹, the challenge of adequately preparing students and supporting teachers has become increasingly urgent.
Amazon Australia conducted research with students and teachers to understand their critical needs, and has launched a new STEM program specifically designed for students and teachers from underprivileged and underrepresented schools² to help expose them to real life applications of coding and AI, and experts in the industry.
You cannot be what you cannot see: students witnessing STEM careers in real life
The research indicates that while 97 per cent of students study STEM subjects in high school, almost one in three (32 per cent) do not understand what they can do with those studies.
Though students feel supported by their teachers and school (83 per cent), many believe they lack the necessary role models and experiences to envision a future career in these fields. Having a STEM role model makes students 80 per cent more likely to continue studying STEM, however only one in three (33 per cent) report having a positive STEM role model.
To tackle the gaps identified, Amazon’s student STEM program has been designed to offer Immersion Days for students in Years 3-12, hosted at its fulfilment centres and corporate offices in Sydney and Melbourne. The aim is to provide students with direct exposure to technology and engineering careers through hands-on activities and mentoring from Amazon staff working in STEM-related roles:
- Coding Workshops: Students engage in interactive coding activities with miniature robots, designed to make programming concepts accessible and fun for younger age groups.
- Computer Science Courses: For older students, Amazon mentors provide students with an introduction to careers in digital technology and help them to develop practical skills relevant to the modern workforce.
These experiences are tailored to provide real-world insights and skills, ensuring students gain a deeper understanding of how STEM applies beyond the classroom. By giving students a taste of potential career pathways, the program seeks to build confidence and inspire continued engagement in STEM fields.
Melbourne-based Astrophysicist-turned-STEM-influencer, Dr Matt Agnew, is working with Amazon to shine a light on the positive pathways available with a career in STEM and to help inspire future students.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. We know how important role models are for young people in terms of aspiration and continuing to study STEM beyond high school,” Dr Agnew said.
“This is why it’s so important we get more students involved in programs where they can meet people working in STEM and get first-hand experience through opportunities like Amazon’s STEM education program.”
Supporting teachers for effective STEM education
Teachers are pivotal in addressing the STEM skills gap and 75 per cent teach on average two (1.9) STEM subjects. However, STEM teachers face different and unique challenges, with the research showing they are more likely to find a lack of resources (57 per cent) and training (33 per cent) a challenge when teaching these subjects.
STEM teachers identified in-person workshops (57 per cent), online courses (45 per cent), and 1:1 mentoring as key to helping them teach STEM subjects more effectively.
Recognising the critical role teachers play in STEM education, Amazon has co-developed a free Teacher Training course for educators in partnership with Code for Schools. The course is designed to equip teachers with the tools and confidence needed to deliver a 16-hour ‘Introduction to Digital Technologies’ unit in their classrooms. Hosted at Amazon’s warehouses, which are equipped with the latest generation logistics technology, teachers are exposed to the real-life applications of the content they are learning through the course.
Teachers receive ongoing support from Amazon’s computer science professionals, who act as mentors throughout the program. This mentorship includes in-person classroom visits, regular check-ins to boost teacher confidence, on-demand assistance, and tailored support for advanced students. The aim is to ensure teachers are not only trained, but continuously supported as they implement the curriculum, enhancing both their skills and their students’ learning experiences.
By the end of 2025, Amazon expects to support the STEM education of over 15,000 students through the student and teacher courses. This includes students who are educated as a result of teachers’ who have delivered the ‘Introduction to Digital Technologies’ unit.
References
1. Getting to 1.2 million, Minister for Industry and Science
2. Defined as students or teachers from schools with ICSEA values <1000. ISCEA stands for Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage and is a measure used to assess the relative advantage or disadvantage of schools in Australia.
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