Key points
- Generation STEM Links offers high-quality internships that provide students with valuable hands-on experience to transition to STEM careers after graduation.
- Intern, Will received paid, practical experience using drones, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and computer vision with StevTech, an Australian leader in agricultural drone technology based in Dubbo.
- Generation STEM Links provides end-to-end recruitment support and a $2,500 grant per student, making it easier for employers like StevTech to focus on mentorship and skill-building. According to the 2024 Generation STEM Links survey, 90 per cent of student participants said the program exceeded their expectations, with 100 per cent of supervisors agreeing.
- Will and his internship supervisor, Tristan, discussed the internship’s positive impact on Will's professional and personal growth.
The challenge
Employers are seeking candidates with experience, but how do students get experience? This age-old challenge is becoming more pronounced in today's competitive job market.
Traditional methods no longer provide the practical experience students need to break into the industry. Employers, on the other hand, must find candidates who not only have technical skills but also the ability to contribute effectively in the workplace.
For Will Burgin, a mechatronic engineering student, the answer came through our Generation STEM Links Program. His internship with StevTech provided him with real-world exposure to drone piloting, computer vision, and data collection, offering a unique and valuable learning experience.
The opportunity
Will's internship through Generation STEM Links was a game-changer. Matched with StevTech as a Drone Pilot, Will immersed himself into the world of agricultural technology, piloting drones and using infrared imaging for wildlife conservation.
His tasks ranged from crop spraying to surveying koalas, blending his academic knowledge with hands-on work.
Will shared his experience of the internship program, "Working with the CSIRO STEM Links team was great. The process was streamlined and relatively quick, and the internship gave me practical experience in a field I’m passionate about," Will said.
Why Generation STEM Links?
AgTech opportunities aren’t always easily accessible through university, however through Generation STEM Links, Will was connected with StevTech, gaining hands-on experience and support to develop his skills and career in AgTech.
Will shared what attracted him to the program, "I'm excited about the potential of robotics and AI in agricultural technology, driving more efficient and sustainable practices. I wanted hands-on drone experience, but opportunities in AgTech were hard to find. That's why working with StevTech was so appealing."
Supervisor's perspective
For Tristan, StevTech's decision to offer an internship was motivated by a desire to give back, provide mentorship and explore a different way of accessing talented potential employees. Reflecting on his own career, Tristan saw this as an opportunity to shape the next generation of professionals, "The biggest learning for me was the responsibility I was trusted early in my career. Increasingly people are reluctant about handing over responsibility, but that was one of the most influential experiences in my career. I want to offer the same opportunity to others, whilst giving them the same tools and training," said Tristan.
"The Generation STEM Links Program streamlined the recruitment process, from position descriptions to interviews, ensuring we aren't caught up in all of the heavy administration side of things."
What was achieved?
Will’s time at StevTech allowed him to earn his CASA-certified drone pilot license. He worked on a variety of projects with direct applications to both agricultural practices and environmental conservation, including aerial wildlife surveys, crop spraying for improved farm productivity, and helping with the StrevTech autonomous drone docking station.
"I was responsible for surveying koalas with infrared technology and helping farmers with crop spraying. It was rewarding knowing my work was contributing to something meaningful, particularly in rural communities," said Will.
"The opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people in such a supportive environment was invaluable. It was a great way to experience real work in the field that I wouldn't have had without CSIRO and StevTech."
How to find the perfect match
Generation STEM Links places a strong focus on matching students with the right employers. Will’s experience with StevTech highlighted the program’s value to both interns and companies.
"I wasn't expecting to be so hands-on. I prepped myself to take on anything, and working rurally for multiple weeks was a massive experience for me," Will shared. "The projects were exciting, and I was given a lot of autonomy. I gained confidence in my work and felt like my contributions were valuable to StevTech," Will shared.
Tristan was impressed with the ease of the recruitment process. "From recruitment to onboarding, everything was so straightforward. It allowed us to focus on getting Will involved and making the most of his time here," Tristan said.
The impact
Will's internship at StevTech not only enhanced his skill set but also had a tangible impact on StevTech's operations. His work in drone technology was integral to projects related to koala conservation and precision agriculture.
Will spoke to his experience of working with a special purpose.
"I've never been part of such meaningful work. I've learned so much about the potential of drones in farming and environmental monitoring. I'm excited to keep building on those skills."
The internship also highlighted the rewards of working in rural areas. "This role showed me how diverse and rewarding the work can be. I'm now considering a future in regional areas, seeing how technology can improve both agriculture and conservation," Will said.
Conclusion: a successful partnership for all involved
Will's internship at StevTech demonstrated the power of hands-on learning and mentorship. With the support of Tristan and Generation STEM Links Program, Will gained invaluable technical skills and real-world experience that will help him succeed in agricultural technology and environmental conservation.
The program benefited StevTech too, enabling them to complete vital projects, mentor a promising young professional, and even hire Will as a casual employee to continue contributing while finishing his studies.
"The $2,500 grant was also a great addition," said Tristan. "It made a real difference in supporting the program's success."
Generation STEM Links is delivered through Generation STEM, a 10-year initiative to build a strong and more diverse STEM pipeline in NSW. Managed by CSIRO, the program is made possible by the NSW Government's $25 million endowment to the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF).