AREEA’s  interactive primary schools program has continued encouraging more North Queensland schoolkids, particularly girls, to study the subjects which unlock resources and energy industry careers.

Schoolkids in resource-rich North Queensland late last month got hands-on with resources and energy careers, as the Bright Future STEM program teamed up with local resource companies to inspire students at Townsville and Charters Towers primary schools.

Female industry role models are a critical part of the program as students see first-hand how Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects link back to real jobs in the resources and energy industry.

The program’s strong emphasis on females in STEM was the perfect fit for the impressive focus on STEM education at The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James – Townsville.

“Students from Prep to Year 6 are learning STEM skills such as inquiring, critical thinking, problem solving through their science, technology and maths concepts.” said Ben Dallimore, the school’s Technologies Integrator.

“But it is real world context that gives purpose and reason to their learning. The recent Bright Future STEM workshop provided by AREEA brought context to all of our students in Year 6.

“While all our students enjoyed the incursion, it was particularly pleasing to see girls highlighted throughout their visit as it is not traditionally an area of study that appeals to them at this young age.“

AREEA Director Operations Tara Diamond said the female role models from local companies Minjar Gold and Eagle Drilling played a critical role in last week’s sessions in Townsville and Charter Towers.

“It’s incredibly important to expose boys and girls to industry role models from the resource and energy sector, in particular female professionals from a variety of roles, who can break down the stereotypes of traditionally male-dominated occupations,” she said.

“By showcasing their passion for the industry and sharing the story of their own career pathway, it helps students understand the career possibilities for the future.

“The program has been hugely successful to engaging students, particularly girls, in STEM at an early age to pique an interest in our sector and the diversity of highly-skilled jobs available now and into the future.”

“It was wonderful to further highlight the bright future of the resources and energy sector given it is already such an important part of North Queensland jobs and the economy.”

Other schools visited during the trip to North Queensland included Richmond Hill State School, Townsville Central State School and Belgian Gardens State School.

AREEA also thanks UGL and Ventia for providing industry role models for the program.

Photos courtesy of The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James – Townsville

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].