For Engineering Week in February, Engineers Australia Canberra ran its first STEM program to pair school students with local engineering organisations.  

Using our network of engineers across Canberra Engineers Australia engaged eight engineering companies to provide interactive and informative presentations for school kids. 

In late 2022 and we provided briefings, digital resources and administrative support for our partner schools and our engineering organisations. 

Each workshop was focused on getting students to solve the problems of the future and highlighted pathways to get into the engineering workforce after high school. 

Creating supportive pathways for all engineering cohorts is an Engineers Australia strategic priority and enables us to connect with and inspire the next generation of engineers through our network of members.  

These STEM engagement activities not only help to shore up the pipeline of engineers for the future, but they provide an opportunity for our members to give back to their local communities.  

Skye Blair, Deputy President Engineers Australia Canberra said the program came about by thinking of a sustainable way to locally activate Engineers Australia’s STEM strategy in Canberra with maximum impact. 

“Based on feedback the pilot was a success and benefitted teachers, students, members and member organisations alike. The goodwill and commitment of our members and member organisations to school STEM engagement is to be commended. We look forward to deepening Engineers Australia’s relationship with schools and teachers in the Canberra region into the future.” 

A post program survey found, of the engineers involved in the program, 100 per cent said they found it to be a rewarding experience. The engineers were also confident the students were well engaged during presentations. 

Around 80 per cent of teachers noted their students left the presentations with a greater understanding of and appreciation for engineering. 

Every one of the teachers and organisations said they would be interested in participating in the program again. 

With the positive feedback from the program, Engineers Australia Canberra will look to run more STEM engagement activities in the future. If you would like to participate in the program or other volunteering opportunities, join the Canberra EAXchange group for regular updates and fill out the expression of interest form.