History & Mission
Techtrails STEM & Future Skills Program is an initiative from Women in Technology WA (WiTWA) which offers in-school incursions and online modules featuring careers and role models in Technology and STEM. WiTWA is a Perth-based, not for profit organisation established in 1998 providing a framework for women in tech [+] to extend their networks and expand their knowledge.
Our mission is to generate passion, excitement and interest in young people to consider careers in technology. In Australia, we are experiencing a skill shortage in technology and STEM, and demand for these skills will continue into the future. This is why our initiatives provide insight into a diverse range of areas across technology and STEM.
In our online modules, students can become VR experts or marine scientists or software engineers for a day and listen to leading experts as they navigate activities and learn about the infinite possibilities a career in Technology and STEM offers.
Our Team
The Techtrails Subcommittee operates as part of Women in Technology WA. We’re a group of dynamic and diverse women across a range of industries in WA. Our focus is on generating passion, igniting inspiration and providing accessibility to young people considering careers in technology and STEM.
Kay Hargreaves
Emmaline Yearsley
Courtney Carr
Leisa Aitkin
Lucy Sharp
Teagen McEwan
What are 'STEM' and Future Skills?
STEM is an approach to learning that integrates science, technology, engineering and maths. STEM skills will be required in 75% of new jobs in the future with 90% of jobs will require digital skills. With this in mind, we need to inspire and enable both girls and boys to consider careers in technology and STEM.
From what we know, our future workplace will look quite different to what it looks like today. According to a survey conducted by the World Economic Forum, the future skills include creativity, originality and initiative, analytical thinking, technology design, programming, problem-solving, emotional intelligence and resilience. Not quite the flying cars or robots the Jetson’s would have us imagine, but there will be a strong focus on technology, adaptability and agility in the future workplace.
FAQs Answered!
Is Techtrails just for girls?
While we are focused on role modeling opportunities to girls, we recognise young people of all genders can benefit from the Techtrails program, so we leave this up to the school to choose the participating students.
