Up to 600 Australian women will be encouraged to study science, technology, engineering and maths while they're working, as part of an expansion of the Morrison Government's Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program.
Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the program had proven so popular the number of places had increased from 500 to 600.
"This is a great program that is upskilling Australian women by allowing them to combine work and study to get a qualification in STEM," Minister Tudge said.
"We want and need more women in STEM, and increasing the number of places available in this program will help us move towards that goal.
"Getting qualifications in these critical areas will give participants important skills that can help them get ahead in their current role and put them ahead of the pack when looking for future jobs.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the program would also encourage higher education providers to connect with industry.
"STEM skills are increasingly important across our entire economy and this program demonstrates the Morrison Government's commitment to seeing more women take advantage of those opportunities," Minister Andrews said.
"STEM skills will be in high demand as the future of work evolves, so increasing the number of women in STEM is an economic imperative as well as the right thing to do."
The $25 million Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program was announced as part of the 2020-21 Budget.
The program provides grants to higher education providers to deliver a range of qualifications that employees can undertake part time alongside employment.
A total of 37 STEM courses were approved in the recent application round including an Associate Degree of Engineering, Diploma of Applied Data Science, Advanced Diploma of Cyber Security, Diploma of Science and Associate Degree in Agribusiness.
