Australia is a country with a rich and deeply embedded scientific culture and heritage. From the sophisticated understanding of engineering, physics and aquaculture of the Aboriginal Australians in designing stone fish traps, to the modern invention of world-changing marvels such as the black box recorder, Cochlear Implant, cervical cancer vaccine and permaculture. Our contribution to the global knowledge base has us punching above our weight, with published Australian research accounting for about 2% of the world’s total.
However, it is today’s modern and complex world, riddled with large-scale, global challenges that has provided Australia with incredible opportunities. It has been estimated that 75% of the fastest growing occupations will require STEM skills and knowledge – yet, Australia also has a declining rate of STEM-related course completions (decreasing 22% to 16% over the past 10 years).
How can we best prepare today’s young people to thrive in the future and ensure a sustainable STEM economy for Australia in the future?
Providing students with real-world experience in STEM industries and career paths within Australia, is one solution to bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world career opportunities and inspiration. Taking students on a STEM tour within Australia can provide the same level of excitement and access to cutting-edge ideas, innovation and technologies, as a comparable overseas tour to the USA or Europe. In fact, as many of the students will end up following careers within Australia, the insight into future possibilities is highly relevant.
Industries that are likely to be at the forefront for Australian STEM related future careers include defence, space and maritime technologies, cybersecurity, medical technologies, mining equipment, new energy, agriculture, oil and gas equipment, and big data and data analytics. How can we expose students to these critical pathways?
Australia offers a plethora of exceptional, experiential learning activities for students across many STEM industries. Visit the space hub of South Australia, the technology, medical and biotechnology or new energy initiatives in Victoria, ecology and conservation in Queensland, natural resources in Western Australia and Agriculture & food processing in NSW – just to name a few ideas!
Latitude Group Travel has designed a suite of exceptional Australian based educational tours, covering all STEM subjects and year levels, as well as the Australian Curriculum General Capabilities. Alternatively, work with us to custom design a program according to your specific curriculum, budget and timeline.
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