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.
Livestock Handling Skill Set
State ID : AE403
An exciting start to your career in livestock farming — FEE FREE!
Western Australia is a world leader in livestock farming, and the industry needs people who are skilled at handling livestock in accordance with animal welfare standards and best practice techniques. Now here’s your chance to be part of this exciting industry — get job ready and start a great career!
Marine Radio Operator's VHF and HF Skill Set
National ID : MARSS00010 | State ID : AC870
Mayday! Mayday! This skill set is what you need!
This short course skills set will tech you how to use VHF, HF and UHF marine radios correctly. It is a mandatory requirement of the Coxswain Grade 1 and Coxswain Grade 2 qualifications (where a vessel has a VHF, HR or UHF radio onboard), and is also required for recreational vessel operators who have a VHF radio onboard.
Microchip Implantation for Dogs and Cats Skill Set
National ID : ACMSS00007 | State ID : AD737
Important skills to keep pets safe!
This short course skill set will qualify you to work as an authorised implanter, under the Western Australian State Government Regulations for microchip implantation of cats and dogs.
Pathology Collection Skill Set
State ID : AE219
Pathology workers are in high demand in WA — FEE FREE!
The Pathology Collection Skill Set will give you the skills to obtain blood samples from a patient for laboratory testing and get you job ready for working in hospital wards or outpatient clinics, GP clinics and specialist rooms, home collection services and other public and private healthcare settings.
Safety Training Certification Skill Set
National ID : MARSS00033 | State ID : AE339
Get started on your seafaring skills!
If you're keen on a career on the high seas, this is a great place to start!
Seed Collection and Planting Skill Set
State ID : AE619
Ready for a career where you help grow the future? FEE FREE!
This short course skill set will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to work on projects with conservation groups within the forestry or agriculture sector, nurseries and local councils. It's a great introduction to the industry!
Shearing Skill Set
State ID : AE401
A career in shearing may be perfect for ewe — FEE FREE!
Shearers play a key role in the Australian wool industry and training proficient shearers is essential to the success of this industry. If you’d like to get started as a shearer, this skill set is the perfect way to get the skills you need.
Shipboard Safety Skill Set
National ID : MARSS00008 | State ID : AC773
Get the skills you need, to be safe at sea!
If you're looking to get into the maritime or shipping industry, this short course will give you excellent job ready skills! This is also very worthwhile training for anyone who owns and operates a seagoing vessel.
Tanker Familiarisation Skill Set
National ID : MARSS00016 | State ID : AD401
Looking to work on gas or oil tankers?
Here's a great way to build some skills and knowledge for working on liquefied gas, and oil and chemical tankers.
Transition to Cyber Security
State ID : AE780
Build your IT resume — Add cyber security skills — FEE FREE!
If you're looking to build your skills in the specialised area of cyber security, this is the 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.