Edinburgh Air Show adds to STEM job interest

The RAAF Base Edinburgh Air Show got off to a skill-filled start in Adelaide this morning with more than 750 students gathered to learn about future technologies and the skills they will need to join the modern workforce.

Organised by BAE Systems as part of AstroStem Day, the students were at Edinburiugh before the gates opened to the public to learn about aerodynamics through rocket and plane making activities.

It was all part of introducing students to the careers that are made possible through studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

The interactive activities, from learning aerodynamic principals through building and testing rocket models and paper planes, to taking part in virtual reality experiences, aim to inspire students to understand the diverse career paths available through STEM careers in the defence industry.

With the number of students studying STEM subjects down 4.7 per cent on last year, as reported in @AuManufacturing, there has ever a greater need for companies to take the lead in exciting students to study in the area.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Gabby Costigan said: “It is important that the defence industry steps up to do more to inspire the next generation of Australian scientists, engineers and innovators.

“We are building capacity in the jobs of the future through partnering programs with academia and industry to increase the pipeline of students studying STEM (subjects) to help Australia keep pace with growing demand for skills.

“STEM based roles make up 60% of our workforce in Australia. Not only are these talent pools in scarce supply globally, they are predicted to shrink further – which is why we must contribute to the development of diverse STEM talent.”

Picture: airforce.gov.au

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