Primary schoolkids from 12 schools across Moura, Gladstone and Biloela have discovered the amazing world of STEM after being visited by professionals from the resources and energy industry.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)-based professionals from Anglo American and ConocoPhillips Australia, both with significant operations in the region, volunteered their time with the Bright Future STEM Program to engage and inspire more than 500 schoolkids from Moura, Gladstone, and Biloela.
The Bright Future STEM Program, designed and delivered by the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA), uses a combination of industry role models and hands-on interactive activities to teach students aged nine to twelve about the range of STEM careers in the resources and energy sector.
“The Bright Future STEM team had a fantastic time in central Queensland last week, joining STEM professionals from Anglo American and ConocoPhillips Australia to engage and inspire schoolkids,” AREEA Director Operations, Tara Diamond said.“ In recent years it has become increasingly important to get the younger generation interested in studying STEM fields. With the resources and energy industry set to experience significant growth in its STEM-based workforce demand, getting the younger generation interested in STEM is a huge priority.
While there are many STEM initiatives aimed at high school and tertiary, the Bright Future STEM program piques interest in these subjects from an earlier age. Research shows nine to twelve years is a critical age to expose kids to STEM subjects and the real-world careers in which they are applied.
The Bright Future STEM Program is a unique opportunity for students to meet a range of STEM skilled role models working in the sector. Emphasis is placed on exposing school kids to female role models in the industry given the low female representation in both STEM studies and the resources industry.
Anglo American’s Australian Head of Corporate Relations & Sustainable Impact, Victoria Somlyay, said the program played an important role in encouraging students to consider careers in STEM.
“STEM-based roles will be critical in the future of mining, as we develop new approaches and technologies in areas like automation, data analytics, and sustainable mining. The program is a positive way to showcase some of the career opportunities linked to STEM subjects, and encourage the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technology specialists,” Somlyay said.
Robert Gibb, Manager of Communities and Sustainable Development, ConocoPhillips Australia, said engaging our future generations with STEM professionals during their early education was vitally important.
“The Bright Future STEM Program is such a valuable tool in exposing our future generations to the variety of exciting STEM-based careers on offer. I know our employees value the opportunity to engage with the students and share their experiences and hope that by doing this they inspire other children to follow this pathway,” Gibb said.