A speed networking event with women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers is being offered to students of the Peel region in 2018 for the first time.
The event will provide an opportunity for students in years 10 to 12 to speak one-on-one with 12 women in different STEM careers.
Peel Bright Minds, a regional initiative, is partnering with The Innovators’ Tea Party, a WA-based, volunteer-run organisation to bring this exciting event to Mandurah on May 19.
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The two organisations have recruited a team of inspiring mentors from STEM careers, most of whom work locally in sectors such as natural resources management, mining, health, agriculture, and finance.
The event will be held at Make Place in Mandurah on Saturday 19th May. Students can register for one of three sessions of 1.5 hours throughout the day.
Peel Bright Minds Program coordinator Charlie Jones said inspiring young people to pursue studies and careers in STEM is important to make sure that we’re best prepared for the future workforce.
“STEM disciplines are important because while there are increasingly more jobs and skills required in these areas, the interest and enrolment in these subjects in high school is gradually declining,” she said.
Ms Jones said that this event is also an important opportunity to connect young people with some of the careers that are available in our region in many different sectors.
“By providing opportunities to connect with leading women in STEM in our region, we aim to build the aspirations of our young people to attend university or pursue further training that will position them well for the jobs of the future”.
Mining engineer Evelyn Chuk started The Innovators’ Tea Party because she saw a need to address gender equity in STEM careers.
“Our programs are specifically designed to tackle the gender stereotypes society associates with STEM careers,” she said.
“By showcasing some of Peel’s most successful women in STEM to local high school girls, we are empowering these young people to make career and study choices based on their personal interests and skills.”
This is a free event for students, however registration is required.
For more information, visit www.innovatorsteaparty.org/mandurah-2018/ or www.www.peelbrightminds.com.au.