Perth Voice Interactive

SCITECH turned 30 this week but it’s not sitting on its laurels and has launched an initiative to attract more women and indigenous people to its exhibitions.

Kids have long loved the colourful exhibits and flashy demonstrations, but CEO Deb Hancock says they’re hoping to target people that are under-represented in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), like women, Aborigines and people from low socio-economic groups.

Ms Hancock says their aim is to future-proof WA and get a generation ready for the STEM-based jobs of the future.

“Seventy five per cent of the fastest growing jobs in the next 10 years will require STEM skills,” she says.

They already send out their science vans to visit schools and remote Aboriginal communities, and they’re also aiming for more digital engagement to reach out to remote people who can’t make the trip down to City West.