Participants of GMC’s 2022 Geelong Future Leaders of Industry (GFLOI) and Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing (GLAM) programs graduated recently, in front of an audience of almost 100 attendees.
Professor Nick Birbillis, Executive Dean of Deakin’s Faculty of Science, Engineering & Built Environment addressed the group saying that to achieve the solutions to our biggest challenges we will need skilled engineers, technicians and tradespeople working to implement and commercialise cutting-edge research.
This was echoed at the Prime Minister’s Science Awards, attended by GMC CEO Jennifer Conley earlier this week, where Minister for Industry & Science Ed Husic said, “Science and research at its best can change lives and make Australia a more sustainable, prosperous place.”
GFLOI & GLAM are immersion programs for Year 9 & 10 students introduce them to the diversity of exciting careers and pathways in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
GMC Program Manager, Leanne Nelson, said, “The importance of programs such as GFLOI & GLAM is consistently reinforced during our regular discussions with industry in the region – it’s more difficult than ever to find skilled staff. And we consistently hear from our participants that they had no idea of the kinds of roles an advanced manufacturing or engineering career can offer.”
The manufacturing industry in Geelong alone employs over 9,000 people and adds more than $1.2 billion in value. Advanced manufacturers are working to solve some of the biggest challenges we’re facing – new energy, sustainability, food security and medical breakthroughs.
Feedback from GFLOI & GLAM participants shows that they now feel confident in choosing a career in the sector – one with a future and where they can make a difference to their world.
“I enjoyed every minute of this program and once again thank you so much for this opportunity. It has helped me out dramatically for my future in STEM.” 2022 participant, Year 10
“The best aspect of GLAM was meeting like-minded people and getting a better understanding of the different pathways I am able to take once I leave school.” 2022 participant, Year 10
“I found it interesting to see the different projects the engineers had worked on in order to improve efficiency, and create a better work environment.” 2022 participant, Year 10
“My biggest take away from this part of the excursion were the conversations we got to have with the employees. It’s rare that you get to have discussions with people in an industry that you’re interested in during high school.” 2022 participant, Year 10
GFLOI & GLAM are delivered with the support of Skilling the Bay & industry partners