“The Office of the Chief Scientist’s report STEM Skills in the Workforce: What do Employers Want? highlights the importance of STEM skills to businesses and the overall competitiveness of the Australian economy,” Business Council of Australia (BCA) Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“Members of the BCA understand the importance of STEM skills to the success of their businesses and place a high value on these skills.

“In a world where technological change is accelerating, STEM skills are increasingly important to both workers and managers, as well as for Australia’s current and future economic growth.

“Improving Australia’s STEM skills will require action on a range of fronts. This includes improving the capability of teachers, embedding STEM in the educational curriculum, engaging in work-integrated learning and communicating the opportunities available in STEM related careers.

“Business, the federal government and state governments need to work together to address this critical issue,” Ms Westacott said.

For further information contact:
Scott Thompson, Director, Media and Public Affairs
Business Council of Australia
Telephone (03) 8664 2664 • Mobile 0403 241 128