The Commonwealth of Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) reveals that Australia needs 650,000 more technology workers by 2030, as technology advances and new challenges arise.
As such, CSIRO highlights that adults volunteering for programs within science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) can be valuable to students.
Amy Boulding, CSIRO’s STEM Together program project manager, says the more that young people are exposed to the possibilities in STEM, the more likely they are to develop an interest in it.
“Every time we take our Young Future Shapers on a STEM camp, they meet a professional in a field of study they never knew existed and a portion of the group walks away considering a whole new career path,” Boulding says.
In the mining sector, there is a wide generation gap that has emerged as a result of struggling to attract and retain young talent.
As Mining.com.au reported, skills shortages coupled with a reluctance of youth and graduates to join the mining sector presents a real challenge as well as capability risk for the mining sector.
A 2022 BDO report reveals that only 15% of respondents said they would be interested in mining, while 54% believed that the mining sector is an essential part of the global climate solution.
In addition, a 2024 McKinsey report highlighted 70% of young participants said they would definitely not or probably not work in mining.
Shaping the future
According to CSIRO, research shows that partners have the strongest influence on a student’s subject and career choice.
For example, Jen Malone (pictured left), a mother from Far North Queensland, noticed her daughter’s growing interest in space, so she founded the Young Astronauts Club.
Malone was surprised when around 65 students from local schools joined. CSIRO recognised her as an ‘Adult Future Shaper’, alongside others working in their communities to help students to build confidence and skills with STEM.
CSIRO selects five Adult Future Shapers per year to design their own prize to enhance their skills or to help young people develop theirs. The program recognises those who support young people in years 5-10 to strengthen their confidence, capability, and connection with STEM.
With a $3,000 support package, Malone spent it on resources for the club. The club now has a collection of space-themed activities to spark curiosity, including an international space station lego set and an inflatable moon.
CSIRO is now looking for its next cohort of Adult Future Shapers to reward. The person will access individualised success plans, virtual events, and a bespoke support package worth $3,000 to help them or their community take their interest in STEM further.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: CSIRO
