occupations

The Federal Government has spent considerable effort to meet the perceived shortage of skilled workers with Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) qualifications. While many of these qualifications are undertaken in the Higher education Sector, there are a number of STEM qualifications in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, particularly in the health, agriculture and trade areas of study. The Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) provides an opportunity to investigate the pathways young people (aged 15 – 25) take from compulsory schooling through post-school education, and finally into the labour force. Information is also collected on factors influencing career choices. This paper uses LSAY data to explore the pathways young people take from VET into STEM occupations, where the leakages occur, and the factors that influence young people to pursue STEM careers. Where relevant, comparisons are made with young people who study STEM qualifications at University. This research points to areas of policy development which may help to increase the number of people pursuing STEM qualifications in the VET sector and going on to pursue STEM occupations