BY HOLLY FISHLOCK
Additional places in STEM courses will be open at the University of Newcastle next year, in a bid to help grow the skilled workforce required to deliver AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.
The Albanese Government is investing $128 million to fund an additional 4,001 university places across Australia. In Newcastle, 140 places have been allocated.
These additional places will apply to 38 STEM-related courses, designed to attract more students to train in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Federal Member for Patterson Meryl Swanson said she's celebrating the move.
"I'm delighted to say that the Albanese Labor Government has funded 140 additional places at the University of Newcastle over the next four years for STEM related subjects such as mechanical engineering and chemical engineering," says MP Swanson.
Ms. Swanson says it is important to increase training in STEM-related fields, as careers in these industries in Newcastle are in high demand.
"It's incredibly important that we do grow the workforce that is needed for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines. In addition to that, it's also important that we constantly work with our businesses in the local area.
"The reason it's so important that we increase people taking up STEM courses is because that's where the jobs of the future in our region are going to lie. As a government we've recognised that, and that's why we've supported and funded these 140 places at Newcastle University over the next four years,," she said.
Eligible students are able to apply and commence studies for STEM courses from the beginning of 2024.
