RDA Hunter’s upcoming 2018 STEM Workforce Conference will provide a forum for collaboration between industry, government and education providers to shape workforce development in the region.
The conference, which is being held over a full day on Thursday 10 May at Crowne Plaza Newcastle will examine how digital technology creates new jobs; how STEM will change the face of traditional industry and what’s next; and what our kids need to be prepared for. It will explore international and future trends and discuss the role STEM plays in the way we do business, the jobs we’ll be doing and how we’ll be doing them.
The conference will also be an opportunity for RDA Hunter to gain insights into the future requirements of industry and tailor the next iterations of its STEM skilling initiatives accordingly.
Chair of RDA Hunter, John Turner said RDA Hunter undertakes Mini ME, ME Program and STEMship to STEM skill the region’s future workforce. STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.
“These projects are life-stage specific, education programs that together create a pipeline of opportunities and activities for students from eight years of age to 18,” John said.
“We strive to maintain the relevance of these programs and continually engage with our industry partners and stakeholders to ensure they are truly industry-led.
“Our third annual STEM Workforce Conference is being held on May 10 to facilitate this engagement through region-wide discussions about the future of STEM and its impact in industry development.”
The event’s MC is leading Futurist, Author, Entrepreneur and Innovator, Mark Pesce. Mark has been at the forefront of the digital revolution for thirty-five years and will provide insights and clarity about the future -the opportunities and the disruptions – and how the Hunter region can leverage its capabilities to meet the challenges of the future head-on.
Other confirmed speakers for the event include Dr Catherine Ball who is an innovator, scientist, champion of change and communicator; Dr Jennie Beekhuyzen from Tech Girls Are Superheroes and Tech Girls Movement; Emma Broadbent from CISCO; Sandra James from Boeing; and Jan Owen from Foundation for Young Australians.
RDA Hunter’s STEM Workforce Conference is supported by the Australian Department of Defence and NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and is staged in conjunction with CCGPS, who will manage a full day STEM education focused program on Friday 11 May.
IMAGE | Last year’s STEM Workforce Conference.
