Future looks bright with Penrith’s Generation STEM

Penrith’s workforce of the future is keen to tackle the challenges faced by local businesses in Generation STEM; a new initiative to empower young people to pursue a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) career.

The CSIRO and Penrith City Council are collaborating to deliver the first program launched under the initiative, the STEM Community Partnership Program (STEM CPP). The aim is to inspire local Year 9 and 10 students into STEM educational and career pathways and showcase the exciting job opportunities available in the Penrith region. The program will connect local students with businesses to develop the student’s STEM skills and inspire them to undertake a career in a STEM industry. Students will address real challenges faced by the local community and present their STEM solutions at an end-of-year Project Showcase.

Twelve local schools have signed up to participate in the program, acknowledging the need to arm their students with the skills needed for the future. Principal Brenda Quayle from Erskine Park High School said "We are very excited about working with the Generation STEM team on the STEM Community Partnerships Program during 2021.This opportunity will allow our students to learn through real world problems and create opportunities beyond the school in which they can use collaboration, creative and critical thinking skills to support our community to solve problems that will impact our broad context. This is an amazing opportunity for our students to develop strategic partnerships with the CSIRO and Penrith City Council, developing the skills to be active and engaged citizens into the future".

Local businesses attended an Industry Engagement Workshop on 17 March to identify the major challenges faced by the community and get involved in the program. All local businesses with an interest in STEM, are encouraged to get involved and help build the workforce of the future. Opportunities include mentoring teachers, hosting site visits, delivering a masterclass or even providing work experience opportunities.

Kellie Knight from Laser Wizard was one of the first businesses to sign onto the program, noting their involvement would have benefits for their business as well as the students. “Laser Wizard is delighted to be a part of the CSIRO STEM CPP program. We are excited to participate, it is important to Laser Wizard to be involved in the future of our workforce”.

There’s still time for more businesses and schools to get involved, visit the Generation STEM website for more information.