
RDA Hunter’s National Leveraging A Stem Workforce For The Future Conference
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter hosted Leveraging a STEM Workforce for the Future Conference on Wednesday 13th April at Newcastle City Hall.
Featuring keynote speakers NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane and Google Australia’s Engineering Community & Outreach Manager, Ms Sally-Ann Williams, the event was attended by 200 national education, industry and government representatives.
Technology and innovation are transforming the economy. National and international reports suggest that unless fundamental changes are made to ensure a stream of STEM qualified people, Australia’s workforce will be unable to meet future needs.
RDA Hunter’s Leveraging a STEM Workforce Conference examined the shift towards a knowledge based economy, the careers of the future, workforce skills requirements, STEM qualifications and upskilling students for the jobs of the future.
The conference also examined how the ME Program in the Hunter has been leading the way in STEM Education and a number of teacher and industry focused workshops were undertaken.
“Economic growth relies on skilled and capable people. We know that 75% of the fastest growing occupations require STEM skills and that employment in STEM jobs is projected to grow at almost twice the rate of other occupations,” said RDA Hunter CEO, Todd Williams.
“RDA Hunter’s focus is on growing jobs and investing in the areas of employment that will deliver the jobs of tomorrow. Talented people means more entrepreneurship, more economic diversity and our communities are more vibrant.”
“Our Leveraging a STEM Workforce Conference has brought together national and regional experts from industry, education, government and the community to discuss the opportunities that a STEM skilled workforce can deliver for the Hunter’s future,” continued Mr Williams.