Budding young innovators and scientists are gaining hands-on experience in the energy sector, with a local school hoping to boost female representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Students from Mabel Park State High School this month headed to the Origin Energy Philanthropic Foundation office in Brisbane to learn about the STEM industy.
The students, from across years 7 to 12, asked questions and learned insights from Origin volunteers, as well as wider career advice about securing employment after leaving school.
Run by Origin Energy Foundation team members and school department heads Mrs Stacey King and Mrs Raj Sarowa, the session included segments such as the Lights for Learning Solar Buddies and Career Speed Dating activities.
“The hands-on workshops, energy sector career stories and office tours were enriching experiences for the students from our GEMS program [Girls Excelling in Maths and Science], expanding their awareness of STEM pathways and empowering them to imagine futures in science and technology,” Mrs King, the head of junior secondary maths and science, said.
One GEM student, Agnes, said the session was “fun and engaging” – particularly using different types of electronics.
“The thing I like most about science is the learning part, because there’s always an endless amount of things to learn and I love learning about how things work,” she said.
“It’s important to help other students in other countries to give them the same opportunities that we’re privileged to have in Australia.
“All the girls were talking about how they really enjoyed it. I did not know that this many STEM careers could come from the energy field.”
Mabel Park State High School has partnered with the Origin foundation for several years.
Since 2015, more than 750 students have taken part in work readiness and STEM programs, with more that 125 volunteers from Origin Energy Foundation.
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