Jobs of the future will require new and different skills to the current workforce. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills are critical for jobs of the future — they can help you to design and use new technologies, solve important problems, help people, make a difference to society and protect our environment. Currently, 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries require STEM skills, and 90 per cent of jobs will require people with STEM skills in the next two to five years.
The focus on STEM is vital to Western Australia’s future economy and local jobs. Having a broad range of STEM skills means greater opportunities for employment, and satisfying careers for young people and anyone wanting a change in career or direction.
STEM occupations range from laboratory technicians, digital media and information technology, computer systems engineering, robotics, computer software development and accounting and bookkeeping. The opportunities are endless!
Skills Ready: Free training and more!
We’re making training affordable and accessible so you can boost your skills and be job ready as the WA economy recovers.
How about a free training course — yes... free! Or choose from over 70 half-price qualifications that match up with where the jobs are.
To meet the specific needs of businesses for COVID-19, we have new skill sets — fast track training to get you job ready — and to make sure anyone can get skills ready we have made a range of courses available online at TAFE colleges.
Take2STEM: Careers and jobs information
The Take 2 STEM campaign is about promoting the importance of STEM skills to ensure that all Western Australians are well-placed to take up new and emerging jobs.
WA is already a leader in technologies such as cyber security, data analysis, remote operations, robotics and medical research, and Take2STEM will build on these strengths to ensure our workforce has the capacity to attract investment and remain globally competitive.
The Take2STEM campaign features videos of a range of WA STEM champions, a website and a logo co-designed by WA young people. Part of the State Government's STEM Skills Strategy, Take2STEM includes a focus on increasing participation in under-represented groups, including girls and women, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and Aboriginal students.
STEM skills for exciting careers
Imagine developing software and AI systems to improve crops, repair submarines, and make new discoveries in space. That’s what WA companies are doing right now — and they are looking for people with STEM skills to help them do it.
STEM skills enable us to make new discoveries in healthcare and medical research to improve our quality of life and to combat illness and disease. The healthcare in Australia industry is growing, and your STEM skills will be highly valued by employers!
STEM courses
STEM offers a huge range of training options. Use the course search below to find out more (select from the options under Industry area, and/or the keyword search, to refine the results). Select a qualification or course title to see a list of training providers in Western Australia who deliver it – then select a provider to find out more.
Using this course list
The list presented here is only for this industry category. You can select a qualification or course title to see a list of training providers in Western Australia who deliver it – then select a provider to find out more.
A full course list across all industry areas is available here
Industry categories
The list of courses displayed for a selected industry category is intended to assist individuals learn more about occupation and training pathways, and may not represent all possible pathways for an industry. For further assistance on occupation and training pathways please contact your nearest Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64.
Please note
The vocational education and training (VET) courses delivered in Western Australia on this course list are funded through the Department of Training and Workforce Development; these are referred to as publicly funded training. A range of qualifications and courses for priority industry areas and occupations are subsidised under Jobs and Skills WA, to reduce the cost of training in priority skill areas. To find out more about which courses are subsidised, please take a look at the information available on the main Training page.
Other non-publicly funded courses are available through TAFE colleges and private providers; however these are not included in this course list. To find these other courses, you can search a list of all VET courses in WA via the myskills.gov.au website.
Certificate IV in Electronics and Communications
National ID : UEE40720 | State ID : BFP4
How would you like to be an electronics technician? FEE FREE!
If you're keen on working as a technician in the field of electronics, the Certificate IV in Electronics and Communications is for you!
Certificate IV in Engineering
National ID : MEM40119 | State ID : BEJ8
Take your engineering career to the next level — FEE FREE!
This mechanical engineering qualification was specifically developed for existing tradespersons in the engineering field, or for engineering trade apprentices wishing to study at a higher level. If you're serious about your future, this is the course for you!
Certificate IV in Engineering (CNC Machining)
National ID : MEM40119 | State ID : AD26
Kickstart your CNC career! FEE FREE!
Become a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer with this qualification! This nationally recognised certificate is an engineering trade qualification.
Certificate IV in Engineering (CNC Machining)
National ID : MEM40119 | State ID : AD27
Kickstart your CNC career with this apprenticeship! FEE FREE!
Become a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer with this qualification! This nationally recognised certificate is an engineering trade qualification, offered as an apprenticeship.
Certificate IV in Engineering (Fluid Power)
National ID : MEM40119 | State ID : AD30
Hydraulics, pneumatics, it's all great to work on! FEE FREE!
If you want to build high level skills and knowledge in fluid power machinery and systems, to work as a specialist hydraulics fitter or mechanic, this is the course for you!
Certificate IV in Engineering (Instrumentation)
National ID : MEM40119 | State ID : AD20
Fine tune yourself an exciting career — FEE FREE!
The Certificate IV in Engineering (Instrumentation) is an engineering trade qualification for instrumentation technicians who may work in a range of industries and sectors.
Certificate IV in Engineering (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning)
National ID : MEM40119 | State ID : AD18
Here's a cool career choice — FREE FREE!
With WA's hot summers and warm climate, a "fridgie" is always in high demand! From residential and commercial aircon systems, through to refrigeration plant on mine sites — and everywhere in between — the opportunities are endless!
Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology
National ID : MSS40222 | State ID : BIR2
An exciting career in a growing industry!
With the world's increasing focus on protecting and managing the environment, this is a great field to get into... but you'll need the right training! This is the perfect course to build key skills and knowledge in this interesting area.
Certificate IV in Hazardous areas - Electrical
National ID : UEE42622 | State ID : BHZ9
A safe career upskill path for bright sparks!
The Certificate IV in Hazardous Areas - Electrical qualification is a nationally endorsed course to upskill licensed electricians.
Certificate IV in Horticulture
National ID : AHC40416 | State ID : BCW2
Thinking about creating a future in horticulture? FEE FREE!
If you would like to start your own business in landscaping or gardening , or grow your career in horticulture, this is the perfect course for you!
State Government STEM strategy and priorities
In May 2018 the State Government announced Western Australia’s first ever State STEM strategy. The strategy aims to build a globally competitive and innovative workforce with the skills to drive our technological future and create new job opportunities.
Read more about the STEM strategy at the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation website.
The State Government has also identified increasing participation in STEM as a key target in the Our Priorities: Sharing Prosperity program. This will be supported by training courses and programs, and skills development initiatives.
For more information about Our Priorities: Sharing Prosperity visit the WA Government website.