Aussie kids get a tech boost from Cisco and CSIRO

Australia’s next generation will get a firsthand look into the work of real-world technology experts thanks to a new collaboration between Cisco and CSIRO.

Cisco launched its AUSTEM2020 initiative earlier this year, which will invest more than $21 million to help tackle the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills shortage in Australia, foster innovation and boost productivity and jobs growth.

A key component of the initiative is to participate in CSIRO’s Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools (SMiS), which is a national education program with a focus on ICT that connects teachers, industry and research professionals to help get students inspired about STEM.

“Since we kicked off our participation in CSIRO’s SMiS program, we’ve seen an overwhelming interest from our employees right across Australia, with over 120 employees stepping up to this important opportunity to help boost Australia’s innovation capability,” said Ken Boal, Cisco vice president Australia & New Zealand.  

The SMiS program is helping students to become interested in science, technology, engineering and maths in the face of declining participation and engagement in these subjects.

CSIRO SMiS program manager Claudette Bateup said that the next generation are using technology more and more in everyday lives and their future careers will depend on their understanding in this area.

“It’s fantastic to have Cisco as a partner in our program so that we can pair up more teachers with current experts and instil a passion for STEM in Australia’s future innovators,” Bateup said.

Cisco said it has set a target to have 20% of its workforce mentoring for 20 hours each year by 2020.

“I encourage other businesses and organisations who have expressed concern about Australia’s declining STEM talent to get on board with SMiS and reap the benefits of improved staff engagement and help build our next wave of innovation, jobs and economic growth,” added Boal.

Cisco employees also participate in STEM mentoring programs in the tertiary sector, through the Cisco Networking Academy program, as well as programs targeted at increasing female participation with the University of Technology Sydney and Queensland University of Technology. 

Image courtesy of Sean Freese under CC