STEM Manufacturing Futures

The program supports future workforce and skills development for the advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors through delivery of events and partnerships that focus on:

• Encouraging Year 9 and 10 students to consider a career pathway focused on advanced technology, design, engineering or innovative manufacturing.
• Promoting student awareness and interest in advanced manufacturing, design and engineering pathways.
• Promoting STEM related pathways for girls.
• Facilitating connections between secondary schools and industry.
• Fostering strong partnerships with further and tertiary education providers to ensure regional industry remains a voice in education design.
• Providing professional development opportunities for careers teachers in relation to scope and viability of career choices in STEM related careers, in both trade and tertiary pathways.
• Raising the awareness and perceived value of VET STEM related pathways in students.
• Increasing levels of educational attainment in STEM related subjects in secondary and post-secondary education.

There are two streams of the program which include:

1. Geelong Future Leaders of Industry (GFLOI) 
   Students undertake a series of manufacturing or STEM education facility site visits with guest speakers. They will learn about the thriving advanced manufacturing industry in Geelong and the variety of careers and pathways available. During the term three break there is the option to complete three days of work experience at one of the amazing workplaces. Students will also participate in job readiness, leadership and confidence building workshops and network with like-minded peers.
2. Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing (GLAM) 
   GLAM focuses exclusively on encouraging young women in Years 9 and 10 to consider a professional pathway or trade with a focus on advanced technology, design, engineering or innovative manufacturing. Students undertake a series of manufacturing or STEM education facility site visits with guest speakers. They will learn about the thriving advanced manufacturing industry in Geelong and the variety of careers and pathways available. During the term three break there is the option to complete three days of work experience at one of the amazing workplaces. Students will also participate in job readiness, leadership and confidence building workshops and network with like-minded peers.

The STEM Manufacturing Futures program will offer two streams to Year 9 and 10 students; Year 11 students will be included if numbers permit.
The program of events for each stream includes industry tours, presentations from experts and role models, and team project-oriented workshops with an emphasis on creativity and problem-solving. Diversity of careers, pathways and role models are presented within each stream to support the students as they learn about various career opportunities within STEM-related and advanced manufacturing fields.
Key elements of the program include:

• Five days of visits to selected advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses, research and education institutions (Deakin University and The Gordon)
• Evening launch event and program graduation event with parents, teachers and industry.
• An exploration of leadership and entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in advanced manufacturing along with STEM-related skills and knowledge
• Promotion of gender equity in STEM to encourage girls to pursue STEM-related career pathways
• Promotion of multiple pathways to a successful career in the sector – tertiary, apprenticeships and traineeships, a combination (with emerging degree apprenticeships) and a lifelong learning approach, whereby upskilling with further education is a viable pathway. 

Students who have an interest in any of the STEM Manufacturing futures programs are encouraged to discuss participation with their parents and careers teacher.

GFLOI

GLAM

Delivery partner - Geelong Manufacturing Council 

Important notes for schools:

• The expectation is that students complete all modules in the World of Work programs.
• The programs are capped for student numbers, and early registrations will take priority.
• Students will need to make their own transport arrangements to and from the arranged meeting point per program, at the specified time which will be advised on confirmation of the student's registration.
• Programs generally run between 9.30 am to 2.30pm.
• May require commitment of a teaching resource from participating schools to attend/assist on tour days.
• Schools can be subsidised CRT costs to enable a supervising teacher to attend.