To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science last Thursday, Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA partnered with leading energy infrastructure company, Jemena, to build awareness of the sector’s diverse and rewarding career opportunities.

Through the partnership, female role models from Jemena spoke to Melbourne school students, sharing their experiences in order to encourage greater uptake of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) based careers – particularly amongst young women.

Jesse Mills, Jemena’s Product Implementer, Commercial Strategy Electricity, says women often rule-out careers in STEM-based fields at a young age.

“We know people’s preferences for STEM-based subjects and careers develop at a very young age, and that positive role models can play an important part in encouraging people to pursue science and maths at school which can lead to meaningful and rewarding careers in STEM-based organisations,” said Ms Mills.

“We also know that diversity makes business sense, and that a more even balance between the genders in a workplace leads to better business outcomes and an improved customer experience.”

Female role models from Jemena will include digital innovation and network control room leads, highlighting the wide range of STEM roles the industry requires now and into the future.

In addition to the school visits, students participating in the program will also receive information packs to help ignite a passion in STEM subjects.

The visits were part of Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA’s Bright Future STEM primary school program, which reached almost 5000 kids nationally in 2019-2020. The program brings to life STEM subjects through a series of stimulating activities and industry role models, all linking STEM back to real jobs in the resources and energy industry.

AREEA Director Operations Tara Diamond said role models form a critical role within the program and was thrilled Jemena employees helped breakdown gender stereotypes and inspire schoolgirls to follow a passion for STEM.

“The Jemena role models told the story about their own career pathway and why they love working in the resources and energy sector,” she said.

“Female role models are so important to ignite a passion for STEM in girls, empowering them to pursue STEM studies and take advantage of the many opportunities for jobs of the future.

“Engaging children in STEM at an early age is vitally important to help kids understand the diversity of jobs available from choosing to study STEM subjects.”

The visits certainly piqued students interest in STEM, with a number of questions from the groups showing the students were highly-engaged, inquisitive and keen to learn. Below is a selection of the questions asked:

• How do you make hot water?
• How do chargers work?
• What happens with power when you build a new home?
• Why aren’t there more girls in Science?
• How did you know you wanted to do your job?

Above: Jemena’s Jesse Mills and Jess Contreras inspiring students at Coolaroo South Primary School.

What is the Bright Future STEM program?

Launched in 2019 to overwhelming industry response, AREEA’s national, school-based Bright Future STEM program is building momentum and reaching more students in more parts of Australia.

AREEA thanks its members who have participated with Bright Future STEM to date, and encourages other members to learn how they can get involved.

If your company is interested in participating in the program, or would like sessions conducted in your operating region/s, AREEA would love to hear from you.

For more information, or if your school or organisation would like to be a part of the Bright Future STEM Program please contact us on (07) 3210 0313 or [email protected].

For more information, or if your school or organisation would like to be a part of the Bright Future STEM Program please contact us on (07) 3210 0313 or [email protected].