• McGowan Government delivers new tech program through State STEM Strategy
• Grants of up to $70,000 per year available to STEM education service providers
• Program set to improve digital and technology skills and engagement in groups under-represented in STEM 

Western Australians currently under-represented in STEM will get more opportunities to develop their tech skills through the McGowan Government's new Digital and Technology Skills Program.

Grants of up to $70,000 are now open for STEM education service providers to assist them in delivering digital and technology skills education to under-represented groups in STEM.

Under-represented groups in STEM include women, Aboriginal people, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, people living with disability, people from regional and remote areas, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The tech program is an initiative under the McGowan Government's State STEM Strategy. The program aims to ensure all Western Australians have opportunities to develop the skills required to navigate the technological world, and to design and create digital solutions to modern-day challenges.

A total of $738,000 is committed to the program over four years, providing grants of between either $10,000 and $20,000 or $40,000 and $70,000 per annum for projects of up to three years.

The program provides opportunities to develop basic information and communications technology skills such as using digital platforms and programs. It also provides for deeper skills and knowledge about concepts of data and computer science, and other skills such as coding, robotics, cybersecurity, data analytics and computational thinking.

Education service providers have until March 26, 2019 to apply.

This program adds to other McGowan Government STEM initiatives such as $17 million for science programs in up to 200 public primary schools, school science grants and making coding part of the school curriculum. 

More information, including criteria for applicants, is available at https://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/digtechskills

Comments attributed to Science Minister Dave Kelly:

"For Western Australians to stay competitive in this modern digital age, it is imperative that everyone is able to access digital and technology skills education. 

"One of the principles of the State STEM Strategy is to ensure that no matter a person's age, sex, race or socioeconomic status, everyone has an equal opportunity to develop STEM skills. 

"This program is the first step to delivering on that principle and will be of great benefit to Western Australians currently under-represented in STEM.

"Activities and programs run by STEM education service providers complement science initiatives in our education system and have a significant role to play in developing every Western Australian's digital and technology skills."

Minister's office - 6552 6100