Australia's Chief Scientist Announces "New Research into STEM Skills in the Workforce. (September 7, 2013)

Below is a copy of the announcement from the Office of the Australian Chief Scientist (Professor Ian Chubb).

The Office of the Chief Scientist is currently in the process of contacting business representatives to seek input. If you would like to contribute, via consultations, focus groups or an online survey, please email OCS-Projects@innovation.gov.au

The Office of the Chief Scientist is currently conducting research to understand how science, technology, engineering and mathematics are used by Australian businesses.

The research aims to understand what skills are required by Australian businesses and whether or not these skills are readily available in the marketplace.

“Many other countries have already determined whether they have the right level of STEM skills for business needs,” Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb said.

“One UK study found for example that British Industry will need 100,000 new graduates in STEM subjects every year until 2020 just to maintain current employment numbers,” he said.

“There is a real need for Australia to identify what skills our businesses need to be productive, innovative and competitive.”