STEM

What is STEM?

The Department of Education defines STEM as an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A wide variety of key skills are developed through STEM courses, such as:

• Problem Solving
• Creativity
• Critical Analysis
• Teamwork
• Independent Thinking
• Initiative
• Communication
• Digital Literacy

Why is STEM Important?

As the global economy shifts towards automation, new job opportunities are emerging alongside the advancements in technology. These continuous technological developments are transforming the way students learn, connect, and interact on a daily basis. The skills that students develop through STEM provide a strong foundation for success, both in school and beyond.

In recent years, the demand for STEM related skills by employers has been higher than ever, with 75% of all new jobs requiring skills in STEM. Programs that focus on developing these skills, such as the AROSE initiatives listed below, help ensure that the Australian workforce remains competitive while empowering individuals to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

AROSE STEM Initiatives

AROSE is committed to promoting awareness of STEM pathways and sparking interest in high-skill careers across diverse sectors, with the goal of inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals through a variety of outreach activities.

We strive to amplify STEM outreach activities to ensure every school in Australia has access to quality STEM opportunities. By promoting a range of activities, we map the student STEM journey from primary school to the workforce, developing the links between industry and education.

AVISTA School Pathways Program 

AROSE is proud to have been awarded $1.7 million in funding from the Australian Government to launch the AROSE Virtual and In-person STEM Training and Awareness (AVISTA) program. The AVISTA program is a free national initiative designed to engage high school students, their parents, and teachers with hands-on learning experiences, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) technology, and direct insights into defence industry career pathways. To register your school’s interest in a free interactive session, please complete our EOI form.

Australian Virtual Astronaut (AVA) 

AROSE partnered with Australian Virtual Astronaut (AVA) to present the AVA Challenge 2024 – an exciting STEM activity for students in Years 5-10. The challenge offered teachers the tools to guide students through an 8-step iSTEM design sprint, tackling real-world space challenges such as lunar habitats, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

Learn more about the AVA Challenge 2024 here.

Milo Mission Academy

AROSE delivered the Milo Mission Academy for Lunar Exploration for the first time in Australia and New Zealand.

This STEM program was designed for TAFE or university students aged 18 or older, as well as early-career professionals with a passion for space to participate in this internationally recognised space workforce training. To find out more about this program, click here.

Meet our STEM Ambassadors

Ayesha

Ayesha

Student at Joseph Banks Secondary College, Year 11

What is something special you can tell us about your school?

My school provides an opportunity that not many other schools offer in relation to STEM. For example, we have the Year 10 PTECH Program which involves so much STEM, industry partnerships, excursions, and mentors from industry who work in STEM which enables students to see the future pathway for STEM.

What STEM subjects are you studying?

Physics ATAR, Mathematics Specialist ATAR, Mathematics Methods ATAR, BME ATAR, Applied IT.

Why do you think STEM is important?

The future is turning towards technology and it’s important to know what technology can do. It is important to understand how the world is evolving and the impact of IT, AI, and other emerging technologies.

What is your dream career, and how does STEM fit into this plan?

My dream is to be a software engineer and to develop a business in this field. STEM involves critical thinking as well as Science, Mathematics and IT and it leads to creating a more futuristic world.

What do you think about the fact that your generation could work in Australia’s space sector?

My generation is very involved with IT and new technology. Space is a new and popular environment and a developing sector. Science and IT could be beneficial as it evolves and develops for the future and into Space. The space sector provides a range of opportunities for technology and science for the future.