Some of Western Australian largest resources companies are leading a joint education venture, investing $815,000 to deliver an industry-developed science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program across the state’s schools.
BHP (ASX:BHP), Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS), and CITC Pacific Mining have collectively contributed to the funding to continue growing the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia’s (CMEWA) school-based Digital Technologies Program (DigiTech).
DigiTech, first launched in 2020, reaches more than 6,000 students from pre-primary to year 10 across 165 schools in Western Australia. The program focuses on robotics, automation, and coding.
CMEWA Chief Executive Rebecca Tomkinson says DigiTech aims to connect learning and skill development with real-world careers.
“CME is working to ensure young people feel confident to use digital technologies in future career pathways,” Tomkinson says.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore CEO Simon Trott says the company looks forward to continuing to support the innovators and problem-solvers of the next generation of workers through this program.
“The mining industry has amazing job opportunities for all Australians,” Trott says.
“From the Great Southern to the Pilbara, CME’s DigiTech program is equipping students with the essential skills needed for the future — not just for mining and energy jobs, but roles across all industries.”
Baler Primary School digital technologies teacher Bradley Western says engaging in the program presents an opportunity for the school to foster digital literacy and contextual learning among students and staff.
“Living in the Pilbara, where mining is a central part of the community and economy, it allows us to connect abstract coding concepts to real-world applications.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: CMEWA
