Local students are being inspired to take up exciting careers and work at Sydney’s second international airport thanks to a new partnership between Western Sydney Airport and CSIRO.
Western Sydney Airport chief executive officer Simon Hickey says the airport at Badgerys Creek will be the catalyst for the creation of tens of thousands of high-quality jobs and opportunities in education, manufacturing, engineering and defence.
Once operational late in 2026, at least half of all jobs at the airport will go to local residents.
Now Western Sydney Airport (WSA) has teamed up with CSIRO’s STEM community partnerships program, whereby high school students visit the airport construction site and hear from the experts bringing Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport to life.
“We want to inspire and empower the next generation of creative young minds to take up a career in STEM [science technology engineering mathematics] and perhaps work at Western Sydney International in the future,” Mr Hickey said.
“Whether it be protecting critical infrastructure through a career in cyber security, or building tomorrow’s technology as a robotics technician, the possibilities are endless.
“Most importantly, we want to show our young people that these exciting career opportunities will be right on their doorstep by the time they are out of university.”
The program kicked off in September with a virtual presentation to Year 9 and 10 students from schools such as Cabramatta High, Hoxton Park High, Liverpool Boys High, Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton and St Marks Catholic College.
The students heard from WSA engineers who shared insights into their own STEM career journeys, including the trials and tribulations that can be experienced along the way.
They also heard about the pathways available to reach STEM career opportunities the airport will create when it opens.
CSIRO director of education and outreach Susan Burchill said the program was designed to inspire local students into STEM pathways and showcase exciting career opportunities.
“As Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We want to ensure that this continues by supporting the next generation of Australian scientists,” she said.
“Local students are perfectly positioned to take advantage of new job opportunities and career pathways opening up around Western Sydney International and be the next generation of leading innovators.’’
