The federal government is rolling out a new STEM Toolkit in a bid to get more girls studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the online resource would make it easy for students across the country to access information about potential career pathways in STEM.

The new toolkit is now being “road tested” in selected schools, with high school students in Western Sydney this week getting a sneak peek.

“Boosting the confidence and engagement of our next generation of STEM superstars will have a positive economic flow-on effect for Australia, as we compete in a tech-driven, global economy,” Ms Andrews said.

“STEM is everywhere – it shapes our everyday lives and is critical to jobs of the future, but there is currently a big achievement gap between girls and boys in STEM in schools.”

Ms Andrews said the government is determined to ensure girls and boys thrive in STEM fields, from early education through to the tertiary years and beyond.

Funding for the STEM toolkit builds on other Women in STEM initiatives announced in the federal budget.

This includes continued support for the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative and funding for a national digital awareness-raising initiative to increase visibility of girls and women in STEM.

Rewarding, high-income jobs

Developed by Education Services Australia, the Girls in STEM Toolkit includes articles, case studies, podcasts and tools for girls to understand how their existing skills and interests link to STEM study pathways and, ultimately, exciting and challenging careers.

Ms Andrews was joined by Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh and Jamison High School students in Penrith for the road test.

“This toolkit will be such a great resource to help parents, teachers, career counsellors and others to explain to girls the opportunities that exist in STEM, and the types of careers they can pursue,” Ms McIntosh said. “As Western Sydney grows, it’s my priority that kids in Lindsay are being educated in the jobs of the future.”

“Together, these initiatives will ensure boys and girls in Western Sydney and around Australia have the opportunity to take up the rewarding, high-income jobs ahead of them.”

The toolkit will be officially launched on September 12 at the “It Takes a Spark” conference in Melbourne.