Smart move: council backs Generation STEM

It is widely accepted science, technology, engineering and mathematics – STEM for short – will be the key to success for young people in the next few years.

Recognising this, Campbelltown Council will back Generation STEM, an innovative new program launched last week.

Campbelltown has committed to supporting this new State Government initiative from the start and will partner with the CSIRO in a three-year agreement to deliver Generation STEM to local high schools.

Eight Campbelltown schools have already signed up to participate in the first year: Ingleburn, Macquarie Fields, Robert Townson, Sarah Redfern, Thomas Reddall high schools and Macarthur Adventist, St Patrick’s and Mount Carmel Catholic colleges.

The Campbelltown students will have exposure to local STEM professionals and study pathways to potentially pursue careers in high-tech areas including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, construction, defence and medical technology.

Generation STEM is one of the first initiatives for the Western Parkland City, which takes in eight council areas, includes Campbelltown.

Council staff and industry leaders have already come together to identify some of the biggest local STEM challenges the Campbelltown community faces in the future.

Through this program, Campbelltown students will be given the chance to use their STEM problem solving and analytical skills to solve these community problems and make a real difference.

“We  recognise the importance of empowering and assisting the  next generation to become a STEM capable workforce so our young people and our community can benefit from the local job opportunities, economic growth and prosperity this investment will bring to Campbelltown,’’ says Mayor George Brticevic.

“There will be huge opportunities for our local students to gain STEM employment locally and we are teaming up with industry, research and education sectors to open avenues for our young people and link them to these pathways,’’ Cr Brticevic said.

“Campbelltown is uniquely positioned close to the Western Sydney Airport, Aerotropolis and Sydney Science Park and we will also be supporting these new and existing local industries by ensuring that our young people have the STEM skills sets these industries will need,’’ he said.