Business organisation Australian Industry Group reports members are engaging more with universities. Work placements are up 6 per cent to 36 per cent, recorded in the 2016 survey and research partnerships are up 8 per cent to 23 per cent. Connections with VET providers are strongest (22 per cent), on apprenticeship issues.

Employers also report problems recruiting people with STEM skills, which is curious, given anecdotal complaints of science and IT un and under employment.