STEM SKILLS

Mrs VLAHOS (Taylor) (14:18): My question is to the Minister for Science and Information Economy. What is the government doing to promote studies and courses that support the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in our state?

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland—Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Recreation and Sport) (14:18): I thank the member for Taylor for her question. In August 2011 the state government launched the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Skills Strategy in response to the growing need for STEM-related skills, particularly in the defence, mining, bioscience, clean-tech and food production industries.

Given its potential to impact on South Australia's economic development, the state government is determined to raise the profile of STEM skills by focusing on the importance of training and reskilling and finding ways of supporting more South Australians towards STEM-related career choices. Now, under the Skills for All reforms of the vocational education and training sector, I am pleased to advise the house that 26 science, technology, engineering or maths-related courses from certificate I to advanced diplomas will be fee free for the first time as of 1 July this year.

Courses specifically in the areas of electrical engineering, telecommunications, building and construction, and those in the electrical supply industry have been targeted as fee-free courses in order to assist in reducing the under-supply of South Australians trained in STEM-related qualifications. The courses include Certificate III in Telecommunications Cabling, vital to ensure successful rollout of the national broadband network, and the Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Technology, critical for jobs and our growing defence industry. Other priority STEM-related courses that will now be free include the Diploma of Electrical Engineering, Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications, and Certificate III in Electro-technology Electrician.

Through the Skills for All reforms, over 400 certificate I and II courses have been identified as a fee-free courses. Many of the students will not pay course fees, although there may, of course, be some incidental costs relating to books and materials. There is no doubt that science, technology, engineering and maths are becoming increasingly important to the future of South Australia.

High value, high tech advanced manufacturing needs highly skilled workers, and that is why the state government has made substantial investments towards skills attainment. This is a significant contribution to ensuring that we provide a plan for a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of industry now and into the future.