Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch wound back the clock and headed back to school this morning for the first time in five decades to learn first-hand about the importance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is having in shaping our nation’s future.
Mr Entsch joined year nine students at St Augustine’s College where he took part in STEM career discussions and interactive workshops.
The STEM in Schools event at St Augustine’s College was held as part of CSIRO’s National Science Week.
“It absolutely amazes me what our young men and women can do these days. There is certainly no limit for this this generation,” Mr Entsch said.
“The things young Australians are achieving on a daily basis in this space is staggering.
“I cast my mind back to when I was at school, not even in my wildest dreams did I believe what our youngsters are achieving today was even remotely possible.”
Mr Entsch said STEM was critical to Australia’s future because some of the fastest growing job occupations require STEM rich skills.
“I have absolutely no doubt that STEM will become the building block of learning, driving innovation and creating new opportunities across all aspects of our society and economy,” he said.
“STEM is, and will continue to be, a powerful economic driver.
“A recent report from PricewaterhouseCoopers has estimated a change in just one per cent of Australia’s workforce into STEM-related roles could add some $57 billion to our GDP over the next two decades.”
Mr Entsch said the federal government had committed $64 million to fund a series of early learning and school-based initiatives to directly support STEM teaching in classrooms.
“STEM is all around us and relevant in everything that we do,” he said.
“Hopefully our young Australians will be curious and adventurous to discover how these critical skills will enrich and impact their lives into the future.”
