Supporting women to excel in STEM

Senator the Hon Jane Hume

Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy

Minister for Women's Economic Security 

4th April 2022

The Morrison Government is delivering on its promise to improve women’s economic security by supporting more women to excel in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields or move into a STEM career.

Applications are now open for new and existing providers to apply for places in round two of the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program.

Minister for Women's Economic Security, Senator the Hon Jane Hume, said the Government is supporting women into the jobs of the future by increasing the representation of women in STEM, who currently make up less than a third of the STEM-qualified workforce.

“As STEM careers become increasingly in demand, it is critical we create more opportunities for women to excel in these higher paid and non‑traditional industries and occupations,” Minister Hume said.

“This program will help women break in and encourage those already working in this area to advance in their careers to become industry leaders and torch bearers for the next generation.”

The $25.1 million program was announced as part of the 2020 Women’s Economic Security Statement and includes capacity to support around 600 women over the life of the program. Around 300 of these places will be offered in Round 2.

Education providers will receive grant funding to deliver eligible STEM programs, and eligible employers may receive up to $5000 a year per employee.

Under the first round completed in early 2021, a total of 18 higher education providers were approved to deliver 37 STEM or Agriculture courses in collaboration with more than 40 employers in courses including Associate Degrees in Engineering and Diplomas in Digital Technologies and Information Technology.

Applications close on 9 May.

More information is available at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.