SCHOOL students in Far North Queensland will have unprecedented access to more than 250 entrepreneurial, science, digital technology, engineering and mathematics programmes with the release of a new guide.
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says the Australian Governments’s SPI (STEM Programme Index) 2016 is effectively a one-stop catalogue of innovative initiatives provided by business, universities, government and non-government agencies.
The workshops, competitions and a range of other activities – delivered in-class, online, after school or during holidays – cater to today’s evolving student schedules and learning practices.
“Many of the jobs of the future don’t exist yet,” said Mr Entsch.
“While on one hand that might sound a little scary, it’s also a time of incredible excitement and opportunity.
“We owe it to our kids to give them the skills they need to help them thrive in the country’s future economy. That means a cultural shift to embracing innovation and entrepreneurship from early childhood all the way to high school, and making sure our classrooms have access to the best education for science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” he said.
Mr Entsch said the SPI 2016 was compiled by the Australian Industry Group and the Office of the Chief Scientist as part of the STEM Skills Partnerships programme.
“It’s an invaluable kick-starter resource that brings together hundreds of inventive programmes from agencies and organisations with a flair and passion for innovation,” said Mr Entsch.
“I urge all principals and school leaders to get involved in these great opportunities as we encourage today’s students to be tomorrow’s innovators.”
SPI 2016 can be downloaded at www.chiefscientist.gov.au