Amanda Rose, the founder of Western Sydney Women and The Future is Bright, spoke on 2ser 107.3 about why it’s important to create pathways for women in STEM careers.

By 2030, the most sought-after jobs will be in technology, engineering and manufacturing — but Australia’s lack of investment in science and innovation has revealed a troubling trajectory for its future workforce.

To build a strong culture of science and innovation, it is essential to put STEM front and centre with students.

New South Wales Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor has called on students and women who work in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field to "keep pressuring" government to do better when it comes to closing the gender divide that currently exists in the tech sector.

Western Sydney Women (WSW) is using its funding to launch two programs offering ongoing mentorship for both female students and executives seeking career growth. The Future is Bright Mentoring Program is aimed at high school students in Western Sydney to help them plan for a productive future and STEM career, by matching the young participants with an experienced mentor from academia, government or private sector.

Western Sydney Women’s “The Future is Bright” project addresses the full career lifecycle of girls and women in the Western Sydney Region. The program is comprised of four courses which will promote STEM career participation, STEM career networking and leadership, financial and job confidence, and career growth mentoring.

To address the STEM leadership crisis, Western Sydney Women is using funding received under the Women’s Leadership and Development Program to launch two programs offering ongoing mentorship for both students and executives seeking career growth.