Lockheed Martin Australia has partnered with the University of Newcastle to deliver 10 Science and Engineering Challenge events across Newcastle, Canberra and Adelaide to boost Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) participation in urban and regional communities.
The Science and Engineering Challenge is the longest running nationwide STEM outreach program hosted by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities, government and industry.
In support of University of Newcastle’s annual Science and Engineering Challenge, Lockheed Martin Australia donated $20,000 to support the Challenge Days to provide Year 9-10 high school students with firsthand experiences into the world of science and engineering.
Teams of Lockheed Martin engineers attended the regional Challenge Days to mentor students, judge and score activities for their design and efficiency as well as talk with students about the full discipline of engineering applications.
“Lockheed Martin Australia is highly committed to growing the future STEM workforce needed across fields such as cyber, artificial intelligence, machine learning, systems integration to create a stronger, self-reliant Australian defence industry base," Lockheed Martin Australia’s Air 6500 Australian Industry Capability Manager, Sam Wong said.
“Over 40 per cent of our global workforce are scientists or engineers. That’s approximately 60,000 engineers, so it’s critical that we invest in developing our future workforce that will design the next generation technologies to solve the complex challenges of tomorrow.”
“We are delighted to have the partnership of Lockheed Martin Australia to connect students with qualified engineers and dynamic STEM activities to expose them to the exciting career pathways on offer within Defence Industry," University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge Director, Professor Steven Weller said.
“Along with Lockheed Martin Australia and our partners invaluable sponsorships, this year’s Science and Engineering Challenge attracted the participation of over 3000 high school students from across Australia. It’s a tremendous result in connecting young people with STEM choices,” said Professor Weller.