Bright Future STEM program visits Queensland schools

Various resource and energy sector employers will visit more than 1100 Queensland students to inspire STEM careers.

The Bright Future STEM Program, designed and delivered by the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA), recently visited four schools in Central Queensland, along with Anglo American, Howden Australia and ConocoPhillips.

These visits saw 560 students aged 9–12 learn about the variety of STEM-based careers and engage with role models working within those fields. A further 550 students will receive role model talks from Anglo American, Howden Australia, ConocoPhillips and Santos as the program travels to their schools.

Emphasis is placed on exposing schoolkids to female role models in the industry, given the low female representation in both STEM studies and the resources industry.

“Bright Future STEM uses a combination of industry role models and hands-on interactive activities to teach students about the range of STEM careers in the mining, oil and gas and renewable energy industries,” said Tara Diamond, AREEA Deputy CEO.

“The team had a fantastic time last week, alongside Anglo American, ConocoPhillips and Howden, meeting and engaging with schoolkids and their teachers in central Queensland.

“It has become crucial for the future of our industry to get the younger generations interested in studying STEM fields.

“While there are many STEM initiatives aimed at high school and tertiary, the Bright Future STEM program piques an interest in these subjects from an earlier age. Research shows 9–12 years is a critical age to expose kids to STEM subjects and the real-world careers in which they are applied.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Andrey Suslov