The theme of the STEM specific Expo was #WithSTEMYouCan, featuring STEM careers through access to local industry, workshops and a panel discussion.
Over 400 Year 9 and 10 students in attendance were able to ask questions, discuss education pathways and learn more about the varied STEM career options available to them.
Twenty industry exhibitors, including Sydney Water, Origin Energy and Western Sydney Airport together with CSIRO,TAFE NSW, and Western Sydney University, shared their work and the STEM roles and pathways they offer.
Students also participated in a range of workshops delivered by Industry, which provided a hands-on showcase of the STEM roles in their organisations.
Exhibitors were very impressed with how engaged students were and the excellent questions that they asked. Teachers and students highly appreciated that all content was STEM specific and that they were able to spend time learning from the industry experts.
A feature of the day was the panel discussion with STEM professionals at different stages in their careers. The audience heard how the panellists ended up in their role today, the key learnings they got along the way and their top tips for being successful in STEM. Most career paths were anything but linear! Students were encouraged to follow their interests with the certainty that their career path will work itself out. A teacher said, “students loved hearing the mistakes from such accomplished people – they learnt it is OK to not know what they want to do right now”.
“CSIRO is proud to be delivering the Generation STEM initiative in NSW” said Ruth Carr, Director CSIRO Education and Outreach. “Through Generation STEM, we are working with schools, industry and local government authorities around NSW to engage students in STEM and demonstrate the exciting and vibrant STEM career opportunities that are available, now and into the future.”
