Mildura-based Northern Mallee Local Learning & Employment Network has used its two years with the AgSTEM program as a launching pad for its 2024 Horticulture Careers Day.
NMLLEN executive officer Rod Martin says his organisation has partnered with Chaffey Secondary College for the May 30 event, to be held at the school.
Rod says NMLLEN has continued focusing on the horticulture industry after its modern technology industry immersion project in 2023.
AgSTEM is an Agriculture Victoria program with the objective of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (or STEM) as a career path to Year 9 students.
When established by NMLLEN in Mildura in 2022 it became STEM Idols, delivering a suite of free practical and hands-on free workshops popular with schools because it linked directly to the Victorian school curriculum.
Rod says in its first year the program attracted students from Red Cliffs Secondary College, Chaffey Secondary College, Merbein P10, Trinity Lutheran College, Irymple Secondary College, and St Joseph’s College, Mildura.
An additional Get into AgSTEM workshop at Robinvale College involved a further 27 students, including participants from Manangatang P-12 College.
He says in 2023 the event was held at the Mildura Sporting Precinct, where 60 talented Year 9 girls, 10 science teachers and five industry guest presenters participated.
“During their workshops, students constructed digital moisture sensors and analysed data for precision decision-making,” he says.
Now the statewide education program is back this year.
Agriculture Victoria community education manager, Anna-Leisa Vietz, says the Get into AgSTEM workshops are suitable for students from Grade 5 to VCE and come with a flexible delivery model.
She says students visiting the research centres gain firsthand experience in a professional research facility where science and technology are applied to agricultural scenarios.
“Our workshops can also be incorporated into events such as the Local Learning and Employment Network events, STEM Idols in Mildura or the upcoming Food and Fibre Day in Dookie,” Anna-Leisa says.
“The feedback is always excellent as students enjoy using high-tech tools and discovering how our scientists conduct research.
“NMLLEN’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in STEM education was underscored by its efforts to dispel stereotypes and inspire young girls to consider STEM-related career paths.”
Anna-Leisa says the involvement of industry speakers, schools and students in these initiatives reflects the collective commitment to nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders.
She says the workshops were a cornerstone of STEM Idols 2023, providing students with a dynamic and engaging platform to develop practical STEM skills, fostering a deeper understanding of data analysis and showcasing the real-world applications of STEM in agriculture.
“Both the 2022 and 2023 STEM Idols events were emceed by Janet Pietsch, retired principal and science teacher from Irymple Secondary College, and led by NMLLEN project officer Monica Trehan,” Anna-Leisa says.
“Northern Mallee LLEN continues to exemplify its commitment to fostering STEM education for Year 9 girls through inspirational insights, hands-on experiences and industry collaboration, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in STEM fields.”
Ouyen P12 College student Sienna says during her involvement with STEM Idols she “learnt how to successfully put together a moisture level tester using computer programming and learnt about the many different career pathways on offer in the agricultural and science field”.
“I was interested in the guest speakers’ stories and took note of how many of them said they didn’t do particularly well in school but still had successful jobs they loved,” Sienna says.
“I am now aware of more career opportunities and attending the STEM Idols event has furthered my interest in agriculture and science.”
