Supporting Territory Middle School students towards digital careers

The Northern Territory Government STEM in the Territory Strategy states that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) underpin every aspect of the world we live in, and it is the innovative and emerging technologies and industries from these fields which underpin the global economy.

The global shortage of STEM digital skills is a pressing concern in today's rapidly advancing world. As technology continues to reshape industries and drive innovation, there is an increasing demand for individuals with expertise in these fields.

However, there is a significant gap between the supply and demand of skilled professionals, leading to a shortage of talent worldwide. This shortage hampers the ability of organisations to fully leverage emerging technologies, stifles economic growth, and limits the potential for ground-breaking advancements.

Addressing this shortage requires a concerted effort to promote digital literacy and encourage individuals to pursue careers in these high-demand fields to ensure a globally competitive workforce prepared for the challenges of the future.

The shortage of digital skills in remote areas and small economies presents several problems for many communities in the Territory. Firstly, these regions often lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to provide comprehensive digital skills education and training. Limited access to high-speed internet, advanced technology, and up-to-date learning materials hinders the development of digital skills.

Additionally, the lack of qualified teachers and mentors in remote areas further limits the opportunities for students to learn and acquire digital knowledge. This leads to a significant skills gap, making it difficult for individuals in these regions to compete in the global job market, attract investment, and drive economic growth. Furthermore, the shortage of digital skills exacerbates the problem of brain drain, as talented individuals may be more inclined to migrate to larger cities or countries with better opportunities, leaving remote areas and small economies further disadvantaged.

To address these challenges, targeted efforts are needed to improve educational infrastructure, provide training opportunities, attract skilled professionals, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship in remote areas and small economies.

For this challenge we’d like you to use the available open datasets to develop an idea of how the Northern Territory Government can support more Territory Middle School students towards digital careers.

Additional Information

Relevant links:
• Department of Industry, Science and Resources: STEM-qualified occupations
• Enrolment and Attendance by School - Term 4 2019: Dataset - NTG Open Data Portal

Image credit: Northern Territory Government.