Acute teacher shortage puts tech subjects at risk

The survey, published this week, found 84 per cent of schools have used unqualified teachers to take technology classes. Meanwhile, 39 per cent of surveyed schools had reduced their technology programs due to the teacher shortage.

On current trends, the subject’s continuing place within the curriculum will be unsustainable by 2025, the association predicts.

One Victorian design and technology teacher said the severe shortage had likely economic consequences for the future, as it was putting at risk Australia’s ability to produce enough qualified engineers, tradespeople and digital innovators.

Peter Murphy is head of learning: design at Northcote High School in Melbourne’s north, and president of the Design and Technology Teachers’ Association of Australia.

“Technologies education prepares our students to be tomorrow’s creative problem solvers and innovators,” Mr Murphy said. “They will work in growth areas such as engineering, robotics, transport, construction, infrastructure and communications.”

Mr Murphy said technology graduates would go on to be innovators in 21st century industries such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing – but only if given the right training.

“If we as educators, leaders and parents believe that technology and innovation are a part of a successful and prosperous 21st century Australia, then the results of this survey represent a significant risk,” he said.

Data from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority shows technology courses remain popular at VCE level, with more than 2500 students enrolled in product design and technology last year.

More than 3000 students enrolled in computing and almost 1100 took systems engineering.

Dr Scott Sleap, a senior lecturer at the University of Newcastle’s science faculty, said the shortfall was not a new problem, but had grown worse in recent years.

“This is an acute problem across Australia but even more so in regional areas,” he said. “I have had principals and teachers tell me they are actually collapsing [technology] classes routinely every day.”

He called on education departments to create incentives for qualified technology practitioners to move into teaching.

“Technology teaching hasn’t had the same profile as maths and science but they are the ones teaching engineers and tradespeople.  They’re pivotal in IT, all major employment areas that are currently stretched for skills,” Dr Sleap said.

He said teacher pay was one of the problems. Many of those qualified to teach technologies could find a higher-paid job elsewhere.

Victoria’s Education Minister, James Merlino, said the government was offering financial incentives to encourage teachers to work in hard-to-fill roles, including technology.

The survey results were released as Australian students commenced a nationwide design competition, So You Think You Can Design, this week.

Mr Murphy briefed year 9 and 10 design students at Northcote High School about the competition on Wednesday.

His students will have two weeks to develop their own concepts to solve a personal, local or global problem.

Last year’s winning entries included inflatable “pop-up” accommodation the Pop Cube, a squeeze ball for children at risk of domestic violence (which notifies police when squeezed), and a bicycle seat with built-in rear light and turning indicators.