Concurrent 14. Oral Presentation for: The importance of STEM
Jillian Formentin A *A Clough Projects Pty Ltd, Perth, WA, Australia.
The APPEA Journal 63 - https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ22350
Published: 2 June 2023
Abstract
Presented on Wednesday 17 May: Session 14
Engineering is the foundation of the infrastructure, resources, products, systems and services that serve our community. As technology advances there is high demand for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to keep up with the requirements of every industry. However, the statistics and research imply that supply will not meet demand in the very near future, and, in Australia less than 15% of STEM graduates are female. Taking into consideration the industry in which we operate and Clough’s strategic priorities and ESG (environmental, social and governance) framework, we recognised the need to support STEM and to spark curiosity in these subjects during high school years when students are making the key decision about what profession they will pursue. Clough also recognised that it required collaboration between schools, universities and industry. In 2021, Clough developed a program that included: a pipeline of touch points to ensure STEM careers and industry opportunities were presented as early as Year 7; a partnership with a local university to work with girls in Year 11, targeting senior secondary students studying prerequisite mathematics to offer them exposure to engineering activities, role models and career opportunities; a partnership with Engineers Australia; Open Days at our offices for school students in Years 10–12 to provide them with an opportunity to experience engineering as a career; a revamp of Clough’s Scholarship program to support students during their first years of university; and an internship program for STEM-related functions from the first year of university.
To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Keywords: careers, collaboration, community, construction, development, engineering, future, gender, industry, infrastructure, intern, mathematics, mentor, Open Day, opportunities, partnership, role model, scholarship, school, science, STEM, strategic, sustainable, technology, university.
Jillian Formentin has 30 years’ experience leading engineers and technicians across all stages of mining and energy projects in the construction industry, as well as technical government leadership and consulting services. Jillian is a relationship and results-driven Engineering Director, with a history spanning operations, sales, and procurement management, and a dedication to optimising safety performance, supply chain transformation, quality control, and leadership development. Jillian considers her purpose as honouring people, safety, environment, and women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). She is a mentor and champion for diversity and inclusion. Jillian gained her Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) with Honours from the University of Tasmania and is a Chartered Fellow. Additionally, Jillian is an Engineers Australia Engineering Executive, holds a position on the Division Committee in WA as a former president and National Congress representative, earnt a Certificate in Executive Coaching at the University of Strathclyde, and chairs the WA Development Board for The Hunger Project Australia. |
