TAFE NSW students urge women to take up careers in STEM

TAFE NSW students are celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science by highlighting the critical importance of young people, particularly women, taking up careers in STEM and dispelling the myth that you need a degree in order to gain a well-paying, meaningful job.

Demand for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers is projected to grow by 12.9% over the next five years — well above the average growth of all occupations and more than twice as fast as non-STEM occupations — according to a National Skills Commission Report¹.

While often associated with the university sector, a report released by the Office of the Chief Scientist² on Australia’s STEM workforce shows the vocational education and training sector provides more than two-thirds of Australia’s STEM workforce.

TAFE NSW Ultimo students Rawaa Zainoun and Padma Peddarajuluvari are both studying a Certificate IV in Laboratory Technology to bolster their existing qualifications and experience in food processing to work in food engineering.

Rawaa said it was becoming a mum that made her think more about the ingredients that go into foods and how they can be made healthier, with less additives.

“I am very interested in the safety and quality of foods. Feeding your children really opens your eyes to processed foods and how well they are made. My aim is to make a difference in the industry and people’s lives by creating healthier food,” she said.

Padma said it is women in science like Indian biologist Kieran Mazumdar-Shaw, who founded biotechnology company Biocon, that inspire her to keep striving in the industry.

“If you’re chasing food technology because you’re passionate about it, you’ll go far. TAFE NSW teachers are experts in their field and love to share their knowledge. There is a good chance you’ll leave TAFE with a job; they help you in every way,” she said.

At TAFE NSW, young women and those considering a career change can enrol in courses linked to in-demand STEM skills in engineering, electrotechnology, agriculture, animal studies, information technology and cybersecurity, laboratory skills, and chemistry.

These courses equip students with real-world practical skills and experience to make a flying start in their new career.

^{1. National Skills Commission, State of Australia’s Skills 2021: now and into the future, March 2022}

^{2. Australia’s Chief Scientist, 2020 Australia’s STEM Workforce Report, July 2020}