A pioneering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program (STEM), aimed at providing educators with the tools and knowledge to teach specialist design and technology skills, is being delivered in some Queensland primary schools.
A partnership between the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, the Department of Education, Queensland Manufacturing Institute and Makers Empire is providing the world-leading STEM Program.
Welcoming the Program, Minister for Education, Grace Grace said teachers would learn how to use innovative methods and practices to teach 3D modelling, design thinking and design technologies in integrated ways across the curriculum.
Ms Grace said that, through Schools of the future: A strategy for STEM in Queensland state schools, the Government was committed to encouraging more students to engage in STEM to prepare them for the jobs of the future.
“Our Strategy to strengthen STEM education in Queensland includes building teacher capability; lifting student achievement; and increasing student participation,” Ms Grace said.
“This Program equips educators with the tools, knowledge and support they need to empower our students with the core capabilities required for our Advanced Manufacturing Industry.”
Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, Glenn Butcher said tapping into the future of the multi-billion-dollar manufacturing industry, by giving educators the skills and the tools to inspire children to study in these areas, was the best way forward.
“We need to inspire kids, we need to foster their curiosity and encourage them to think about studying these fields now,” Mr Butcher said.
Executive Director of the Queensland Manufacturing Institute, Shay Chalmers said that as in many industries, filling roles was becoming a critical problem.
“Manufacturing is suffering one of the highest rates of skills shortages in the labour market and increasing our pipeline of future STEM workers is critical for our industry’s success,” Ms Chalmers said.
