Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills are key to boosting productivity, creating more opportunities, and growing Australia’s economy.
Encouraging women and girls to consider a career in STEM is one of the ways we can achieve greater diversity in Australia’s science and technology sectors and build Australia’s STEM workforce capabilities.
The department’s national Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program is supporting a cohort of 80 women across regional Victoria and Melbourne to complete a Diploma of Information Technology through RMIT University.
The program aims to help women upskill or build careers in STEM fields and provides a higher education pathway to produce graduates with workplace skills in STEM fields.
Women who are currently employed are supported to study part-time flexibly while continuing their career.
Vicki Kane is one of the students enrolled in RMIT’s Diploma of Information Technology.
Based in Corryong, in northeast Victoria, Vicki is currently working as an education coordinator for Country Universities Centre Ovens Murray. In this role she supports local students studying remotely, working in a study space in the small regional town.
“I had a passion to learn something different and I've always been interested in IT,” said Vicki.
“I want to be more comfortable using IT where I work. I'm the only person on-site making sure the students can access their studies and complete assignments. This course has given me the confidence to solve IT problems and use different programs needed in assignments.
“Also, there's so many possibilities in the IT field. It's changing so quickly, and I thought I needed to catch up.”
These kinds of programs are vital for regional students, particularly women.
While studying the Diploma, connection with other students across the state and bringing her new skills back to her community have both been important for Vicki.
“I can study remotely and then use those skills back in my community, which I think is important for rural communities where skilled people, like IT specialists, are needed. I love that I get the best of both worlds; a beautiful, relaxed country lifestyle and access to top education at RMIT.
“I think it’s vital we can access remote learning. We're changing the way we study and work and keeping rural communities strong. We still need rich rural communities that provide a variety of jobs, especially for women.”
As part of the program, the Australian Government has committed $25.1 million to support women to work and study a higher education Diploma or Associate Degree in STEM. The program has already supported around 300 women to upskill or reskill in a STEM related area.
To find out how you can participate, visit Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program or contact tertiaryprojects@education.gov.au for more information.