Western Sydney Airport’s push for students to take up careers in STEM
Before it’s even being built, Western Sydney Airport is joining forces with CSIRO to boost the number of young students pursuing STEM careers, with jobs available on its doorstep.
Macarthur
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Students are being encouraged to work at the Western Sydney Airport in STEM after the airport signed a new partnership with the national science agency, CSIRO.
The airport has teamed up with the CSIRO STEM community partnerships program inviting high school students to visit the construction site at the airport and talk to experts involved in bringing it to life through the Generation STEM initiative.
Western Sydney Airport chief executive officer Simon Hickey said the airport would create tens of thousands of jobs and opportunities across the region.
He described the new airport as a “catalyst” for jobs in education, manufacturing, engineering and defence.
“We want to inspire and empower the next generation of creative young minds to take up a career in STEM 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.”
Mr Hickey said experts are eager to show young people that the “exciting opportunities will be right on their doorstep” in western Sydney once they finish their studies.
Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said the program would show students how the airport could drive significant job opportunities for their future.
“The aerotropolis and the broader Western Parkland city, are being carefully planned by Commonwealth, and state and local governments to attract businesses, jobs and investment to what is the third largest urban economy in Australia,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The airport alone will generate 28,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2031, while the surrounding aerotropolis will form an innovation precinct for technology, logistics, science, creative industries and agribusiness, providing career opportunities for the people of western Sydney for decades to come.”
The new program kicked off in September with a presentation to Year 9 and 10 students from schools across western Sydney.
Students heard from engineers who shared insights into their own journeys with STEM careers, including the trials and tribulations that can be experiences along the way.
They were also spoken to about the different pathways available to reach careers in STEM and opportunities the airport will create.
CSIRO director of education and outreach, Susan Burchill, said the program was designed to inspire local students into STEM pathways.
“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.”
The program is tailored to support the skills and demands of current and emerging industry, connecting teachers and students with STEM businesses, showcasing the relevance of STEM in everyday life.
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