INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION—A PARTNERSHIP FOR LEARNING

Abstract

Partnerships between industry and education embody a concept to help create productive and efficient interaction between schools and private enterprise. 'School-Industry Links' refers to any cooperative activities between schools and industry designed to be of mutual benefit.

Links between industry and education benefit students through involvement in real life situations which parallel and enrich school curriculums.

Industry has the opportunity to make a contribution to the development of our future citizens and to have a constructive input into the education process, ensuring that the industry perspective is more adequately and effectively addressed.

The AIP/APEA Education Project has as its aim to improve the public perception of the industry and to affect the way in which it is portrayed within the education system.

Mechanisms employed to achieve this include:

production of school's resource and curriculum material;encouraging school-company links programs;provision of company site tours and personnel for guest speakers;liaison with teacher associations;professional development for teachers; andsponsorships.

By assisting the wider understanding of petroleum matters, the industry will enhance its own viability and ultimately its long-term survival. An involvement in education can create familiarity and reach the people who have a stake in the industry's future. Contributions to education identify a company as a good corporate citizen.

The project is committed to the provision of information about the Australian petroleum industry to schools and the general public, through professional communication processes, to ensure balanced discussion of the industry's role in the economy and society.