As the national conversation starts to focus on the importance of STEM skills in all levels of learning, Engineers Australia highlights some of projects that have made huge strides in the STEM education.
It’s no secret that for decades Australia has produced some of the world’s most innovative thinkers and inventions.
But it’s only in recent history that politicians, teachers and industry leaders are understanding how STEM can transform industries and communities, and at the same time have an extraordinary impact on everyday lives.
The dial is also moving towards highlighting the real science and engineering heroes in Australian society. This includes Australian of the Year Award 2018 winner quantum physicist Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons who is leading Australia’s “space race of the computing era".
Engineers Australia has been showcasing engineering talent for decades through numerous awards and recognition programs. And it hasn’t stopped there. EA has been involved in a number of initiatives that have impacted how Australians view STEM.
STAR Power drives new online resource
EA has directly worked with institutions like the Office of the Chief Scientist to develop an interactive website to help connect more young people with STEM.
In 2017, in collaboration with Telstra, AMSI, BHP Billiton and the Commonwealth Bank, the STARPortal was launched and gives teachers, parents and students a real-time portal to find STEM activities in their local area.
Since then, the portal has gone from strength to strength, attracting hundreds of visitors every month and gaining national interest from science and tech blogs such as Gizmodo and The Strategist.
And this is just one project EA has been working towards.
Justine Romanis, National Manager of Professional Diversity and STEM, who worked closely with Chief Scientist Alan Finkel and his team to launch to develop the STARPortal, is now keen to get EA involved in the government’s Girls in STEM Toolkit program.
The toolkit aims to support the government’s long-term goals of encouraging more girls and women to study and undertake STEM careers.
“Engineers Australia was one of the selected organisations to partake in an invitation-only submission process,” she said.
“Right now, the submission has met the required criteria and is with the Departments of Industry Innovation and Science selection committee for review. We are keen to build on our previous success with the STARportal to develop this new program targeting late primary and early high school girls.”
Passionate & devoted: the backbone of Engineers Australia
Behind a lot of our achievements in STEM is an army of volunteers across the country who deliver our many hundreds of local events, host seminars and present as speakers.
Our volunteers have been EA’s secret weapon to keeping STEM relevant in the national consciousness.
National Manager of EA’s Learned Society, Sheryl Harrington looks after hundreds of volunteers in dozens of various groups, colleges and technical societies across the country.
Ms Harrington says there probably wouldn’t be an Engineers Australia without the office bearers and volunteers.
“We can’t deliver anything without them,” Sheryl says. “Engineers are passionate about engineering and their area of practice. Giving back to the profession with their expertise is a way for them to connect with their profession and their community.”
Ms Harrington says committees and groups are working on developing great pieces of work that directly affect industries and communities.
“A lot of our office bearers are invited to schools to demonstrate what they work on. Our Women In Engineering groups do a lot of work in this space as young girls interested in engineering need female role models to look up to,” she says,
“A number of groups are working with universities to develop courses.”
Volunteers represent EA in our nine colleges, 30 technical societies and dozens of regional and special interest groups.
“Young engineers need to be work ready when they enter the industry. Volunteers’ skills are needed so they can lend their expertise and knowledge. Many young engineers learn by doing, and the volunteers serve that need.”
Ms Harrington says volunteering isn’t just for retired engineers. There is a role to be played for all types of engineers at all stages of their careers, especially as mentors.
“When looking for volunteers, knowledge and expertise top the list of essential skills. Also, we’re looking professionals that have a familiarity with the industry, work well in a team and have a positive outlook.”
You can find out more about our Colleges and groups by visiting our community page.