Students branch out for STEM – Gladstone
Gladstone year-10 students will today step out to explore their local options for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies and careers.
They’ll be taking part in the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s (QMEA) STEM Stepping day, which will take the group of 70 to the Australia Pacific LNG CQ- University STEM Central facility at the Gladstone Marina campus.
They’ll also visit several business premises, where they’ll hear from more than 20 of Gladstone’s top STEM professionals and take a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the Australia Pacific LNG operations and the Gladstone Regional Council.
STEM Stepping forms a part of the QMEA and Australia Pacific LNG’s STEM in Schools Program.
“STEM Central is a state-of-the-art education facility where school students, teachers and community groups can come to learn more about STEM, and we’re delighted to welcome so many students here today,” said Australia Pacific LNG’s Manager Communities and Sustainable Development Rob Gibb.
“With careers in our sector becoming increasingly technology focused, it’s important for students to understand that STEM will be the basis of the jobs of the future,” he said.
“ConocoPhillips, as the downstream operator of Australia Pacific LNG, has a rich legacy of supporting STEM education in the region and we’re delighted that this facility is proving popular in highlighting STEM-related careers.”
“STEM Stepping engages Year-10 students who are embarking on their senior subject selection,” said Katrina-Lee Jones Director Skills Education and Diversity with the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
“It’s important that they understand how STEM underlays many careers and that they make appropriate subject choices to put them on the right path to their preferred occupations, “she said.
“This is a unique opportunity for students to engage with and learn from the regions most respected professionals including Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett and his councillors.”
“It’s also a great opportunity for students to get a taste of university life,” said Ashfaque Chowdhury, Deputy Campus Leader (Engineering) at CQUniversity.
“It will help allay the natural anxiety that comes with moving into a new environment,” he said.
QMEA student Ambassadors will also be on hand to help guide students throughout the day.
This seems to be a great platform for young students who aspire to become engineers, technologists, scientists, and leaders in the future. In fact, we require more and more of such kind of platforms where we facilitate young minds with technology, science, and education.