What is STEM?

STEM is science, technology, engineering and mathematics – skills vital for Queensland’s future.

STEM skills are addressing issues associated with growing populations and food shortages. STEM touches every aspect of our lives, from smart phones to transport, to development of new foods to the types of jobs students might be interested in.

STEM professionals are helping us reduce emissions and adapt to climate changes. They are developing new vaccines and medical treatments, and revolutionising the ways we entertain ourselves.

STEM skills include critical thinking, statistics, engineering-design thinking, problem-solving, creativity and much, much more.

Learning a STEM subject gives students – from school to technical and further education through to university – opportunities to pursue fulfilling careers and make real differences locally, nationally and internationally.

Awareness, education and training in these fields will help today’s students generate and contribute to the scientific developments and innovations of tomorrow and provide solutions to some of the big issues we will face in the future.

Lifelong learning involves self-initiated education which can be attained outside of the formal educational streams of school, technical education and university or workplace training, although it could include technical or university education undertaken to satisfy an interest.

Lifelong learning in STEM is also about professional development, reskilling for those re-entering the workforce or changing career direction, and an opportunity to influence children and grandchildren by being better informed about careers and personal development.