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Education is vital in transitioning to the “new” economy, especially the critical subjects needed for future jobs - science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne told CEDA’s 2015 State of the Nation conference.
29/06/2015
“We cannot become an innovative and high-productivity nation unless our citizens are well-educated...key skills and higher levels of achievement that starts early in our school system,” he said.
Mr Pyne outlined the Commonwealth’s ‘Students First’ policy, focusing on the areas with the greatest potential for positive impact:
According to Mr Pyne, teacher quality is the single greatest determinant, contributing 80 per cent to students’ success.
Hence, Mr Pyne said the Commonwealth is focusing on improving teacher education and mandating specialisation for primary teachers with a priority on STEM subjects.
Mr Pyne also said he is keen to make science or mathematics compulsory in Years 11 and 12.
Regional Australia Institute CEO Sue McClusky, reinforced the importance of education for the sustainability of regional communities.
Ms McClusky expressed support for efforts to increase involvement and autonomy at the local level, and stressed the need for national accreditation of skills training, especially given the mobility of regional workers.
University of New South Wales Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, agreed that the future workforce will depend on global connectivity of business and education towards greater professional skills.
Ms McMillen also stressed the importance of eliminating the current state boundaries to national skills recognition, to enhance student mobility and reduce inequality across regional Australia.
Infrastructure investments and university collaboration keeps South Australia and Australia competitive and changes to funding will challenge that, Flinders University, Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Colin Stirling, has told a CEDA audience.
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