STEM

Like every industry across the globe, Australia’s welding industry is feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to feedback from Weld Australia’s members, the key challenge being faced across the industry is a shortage of labour, from Welding Supervisors and Inspectors, right through to welders. Finding competent, skilled, experienced welders is becoming more and more difficult.  

Manufacturers’ Monthly speaks with 2020 Women in Industry award winner, mechanical engineer Jackie Gray-Lewis from BAE Systems Australia, about creating opportunities and support for women. 

SME, a manufacturing not-for-profit association, has identified 20 academics who are shaping the next generation of engineers and smart manufacturing technologists.  These educators teach smart manufacturing methods and technologies being developed for use, worldwide.  Using smart technologies, they are helping legacy equipment owners assimilate into Industry 4.0, while sharing their perspective and industry knowledge. One … Continue reading SME recognises 20 smart manufacturing academics →

BAE Systems, multinational arms, security and aerospace company, will join with STEM Returners to provide new opportunities for skilled professionals in its national defence and security business.  STEM Returners is a program aimed at people with STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) skills, who have had extended career breaks or who are looking to move from another sector into the Defence … Continue reading BAE Systems offers new opportunities via STEM Returners program →

By Dr Matthew Young, Manufacturing Innovation Manager, IMCRC After a turbulent year in our industry, Australian manufacturers need to innovate now more than ever before. Creating a path for a thriving business and economic recovery after COVID-19 will depend on embracing the fourth industrial revolution and, crucially, purposeful and effective collaboration. At the Innovative Manufacturing … Continue reading Driving innovation through university collaboration – key elements for success →

Twenty-one organisations will share in $1.8 million in funding for their projects which inspire students with hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the successful projects under the Maker Projects: Community STEM Engagement Grants would directly benefit students across Australia, with flow-on benefits for … Continue reading STEM grants to benefit students and the nation →

The Victorian Government and the University of Melbourne have struck a partnership that will see Victorian secondary students will train for the jobs of tomorrow in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at a new specialist centre. Minister for Education James Merlino and Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney today announced … Continue reading Centre to deliver STEM studies for students →

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery visited Newton Moore Senior High School today to officially open its impressive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) centre. The Minister met with staff and students as she received a tour of the new facilities, which were completed ahead of schedule earlier this year. “I am very excited to … Continue reading STEM centre opens at WA school →

Eight individuals studying at three universities across Australia have been awarded Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarships by Defence. Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said Defence was working to take a leading role in shaping the national STEM agenda and build a strong record of inclusion. This week marked National Science Week, Australia’s … Continue reading STEM scholarships grow Defence’s talent pool →

BAE Systems Australia announced a $100,000 partnership with The Smith Family to support schools to participate in the Young ICT Explorers program, Australia’s biggest student invention competition. Young ICT Explorers is a STEM-focused competition for students in years 3 – 12. The competition aims to inspire students to consider a future STEM career. The competition … Continue reading BAE Systems partners with The Smith Family to build youth STEM capability →

More than 3,000 apprentices and trainees will be able to access free training thanks to the WA Government’s latest initiative to safeguard Western Australia’s future workforce. Training costs will be covered for apprentices and trainees who have had their contracts cancelled or suspended to continue their training ‘off the job’ for up to six months. … Continue reading WA gov scraps training fees to support displaced apprentices and trainees →

With the manufacturing sector suffering from a skills shortage, attracting a more diverse workforce is more important than ever before. The new Engineering for Australia Taskforce has released a report claiming more action is needed to bridge the gender divide in STEM. The report explores the factors which affect girls’ participation in STEM and engineering … Continue reading Taskforce says action needed to make STEM more inclusive →

The federal government has opened applications for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grants for organisations and businesses to partner with other businesses, experts, schools and community organisations to deliver STEM initiatives for young people. Federal industry, science and technology minister Karen Andrews, who announced the opening of applications for Maker Projects: Community STEM Engagement … Continue reading Applications open for STEM grants →

A multi-stakeholder partnership to inspire the next generation of manufacturing kicked off at the 2019 Edinburgh Air Show on November 8. The Royal Australian Air Force, along with Boeing, BAE Systems Australia, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, SAAB, universities and vocational education providers, will run the program, named Astro-STEM. 600 students participated in the program … Continue reading Airshow inspires next generation →

At the National Defence Skills & Workforce Summit, Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, announced that the federal government will increase its funding for the Defence Industry Internship Program. The number of internships provided now increases to 70, delivered in partnership with small businesses around the country. “The Program links engineering students with defence industry … Continue reading More funding for defence industry interns →

The VEX robotics competition will come to Adelaide for the first time in December this year. In part due to $15,000 in funding from the state government, the competition will be the testing ground for the teams which will go on to take one of 12 spots at the international tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, in … Continue reading National robotics competition comes to Adelaide →

The University of Sydney, Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), and defence contractor Raytheon Australia have announced their commitment to women in STEM fields. The three organisations are inaugural Champions of the Women in STEM Decadal Plan, launched earlier this year by the Australian Academy of Science. The plan sims to present a shared … Continue reading Champions announced for Women in STEM Decadal Plan →

An inquiry into pathways into jobs for senior secondary students will bring together educators and industry to decide whether students are being taught the skills needed for the future. Led by Professor Peter Shergold, the inquiry has been commissioned by the Education Council, a body made up of state and federal education and training ministers. … Continue reading Review into senior secondary to study pathways to industry →

A new facility to encourage engagement in STEM will be built at Melbourne University by late 2020. Named Science Gallery Melbourne, the site will be the first and only Australian branch of the international Science Gallery network. The gallery’s programs will include events and installations that connect, engage, and showcase the work of artists, scientists, … Continue reading Global science gallery network comes to Melbourne →

In launching its science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) strategy, the Department of Defence identified industry as a key partner. Presented as part of National Science Week, the STEM Workforce Strategic Vision 2019-2030 outlines how defence will meet the challenges of the future and maintain its position within a changing strategic environment. During the launch, … Continue reading Defence STEM strategy sees industry as key partner →