Jobs of the future will require new and different skills to the current workforce. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills are critical for jobs of the future — they can help you to design and use new technologies, solve important problems, help people, make a difference to society and protect our environment. Currently, 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries require STEM skills, and 90 per cent of jobs will require people with STEM skills in the next two to five years.
The focus on STEM is vital to Western Australia’s future economy and local jobs. Having a broad range of STEM skills means greater opportunities for employment, and satisfying careers for young people and anyone wanting a change in career or direction.
STEM occupations range from laboratory technicians, digital media and information technology, computer systems engineering, robotics, computer software development and accounting and bookkeeping. The opportunities are endless!
Skills Ready: Free training and more!
We’re making training affordable and accessible so you can boost your skills and be job ready.
How about a fee-free training course — yes... free! Or choose from a range of low fee qualifications that match up with where the jobs are.
We also have fee-free Job Ready Pathways Programs — fast track training to get you job ready. And to make sure anyone can get skills ready, we have made a range of courses available online at TAFE colleges.
Take2STEM: Careers and jobs information
The Take 2 STEM campaign is about promoting the importance of STEM skills to ensure that all Western Australians are well-placed to take up new and emerging jobs.
WA is already a leader in technologies such as cyber security, data analysis, remote operations, robotics and medical research, and Take2STEM will build on these strengths to ensure our workforce has the capacity to attract investment and remain globally competitive.
The Take2STEM campaign features videos of a range of WA STEM champions, a website and a logo co-designed by WA young people. Part of the State Government's STEM Skills Strategy, Take2STEM includes a focus on increasing participation in under-represented groups, including girls and women, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and Aboriginal students.
STEM skills for exciting careers
Imagine developing software and AI systems to improve crops, repair submarines, and make new discoveries in space. That’s what WA companies are doing right now — and they are looking for people with STEM skills to help them do it.
STEM skills enable us to make new discoveries in healthcare and medical research to improve our quality of life and to combat illness and disease. The healthcare in Australia industry is growing, and your STEM skills will be highly valued by employers!
STEM courses
STEM offers a huge range of training options. Use the course search below to find out more.
Use the Skills Ready filters to find fee-free or low fee courses and skill sets. You can also use the keyword search, and the other filters, to refine the search results. Then select a qualification or course title from the list, to find out more about the course and where it is available.
The list presented here is only for this industry category.
A full course list across all industry areas is available here
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (Surface Finishing)
National ID : MEM30319 | State ID : AD63
If you're interested in the boilermaker or welding trade, this course will set you up with the skills and knowledge to get started on that career pathway.
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (Surface Finishing)
National ID : MEM31922 | State ID : AE18
If you're interested in the boilermaker or welding trade, this course will set you up with the skills and knowledge to get started on that career pathway.
Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic (Fixed Plant Mechanic)
National ID : MEM31419 | State ID : AD54
Delivered under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson, this training covers basic trade skills such as technical drawing, taking engineering measurements, performing computations, using computing technologies, and using hand and power tools.
Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic (Mobile Plant Mechanic)
National ID : MEM31419 | State ID : AD55
Through this course, you will be trade qualified to work in diesel fitting and plant mechanics as a Plant Technician, Plant Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Plant Operator, or any role that involves installation, service, and repair to fixed and mobile plant.
Certificate III in Engineering - Industrial Electrician
National ID : MEM31219 | State ID : BEK1
The Certificate III in Engineering - Industrial Electrician is the qualification completed by trade apprentices working under a qualified electrician. It covers the skills and knowledge required to carry out electrical installations and repairs at a commercial level.
Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
National ID : MEM30219 | State ID : BEL1
Get trades qualified as a fitter and turner, toolmaker, or metal machinist with great job opportunities.
Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitting and Machining)
National ID : MEM30219 | State ID : AD57
You can become a mechanical fitter and machinist with the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining Trade) qualification.
Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitting)
National ID : MEM30219 | State ID : AD58
You can become a mechanical fitter and machinist with the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining Trade) qualification.
Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Machinist)
National ID : MEM30219 | State ID : AD56
You can become a mechanical fitter and machinist with the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining Trade) qualification.
Certificate III in Engineering - Technical
National ID : MEM30522 | State ID : BIV7
Through this qualification, you will learn engineering theory and participate in hands on workshop projects to develop your skills and knowledge around general engineering concepts.
State Government STEM strategy and priorities
In May 2018 the State Government announced Western Australia’s first ever State STEM strategy. The strategy aims to build a globally competitive and innovative workforce with the skills to drive our technological future and create new job opportunities.
Read more about the STEM strategy at the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation website.