In Summary

The Hon James Merlino, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education formally launched KIOSC’s Careers of the Future Program at Swinburne University of Technology’s Wantirna campus today.

Run as part of National Science Week, the program will see up to 200 students from Years 10 – 12 learn more about future jobs at Caribbean Business Park in Scoresby, talk with business employees and engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities.

Parents, teachers and students will also have the chance to tour the KIOSC facility in Wantirna.

KIOSC – the Knox Innovation, Opportunity and Sustainability Centre – is a partnership between Swinburne, local schools and the Knox City Council. It promotes the development of skills, career opportunities and future pathways for secondary school students.

Mr Merlino said the innovative learning hub is a demonstration model for the Tech Schools initiative, and is helping to shape programs and curriculum for students across the state.

At today’s event Swinburne Vice-Chancellor Professor Linda Kristjanson highlighted the need to increase student participation in STEM related subjects throughout their secondary schooling and on to university.

“The future of the world will be shaped by these disciplines that provide the skills and knowledge that underpin a technologically based workforce,” Professor Kristjanson said. 

Swinburne is building awareness of STEM skills amongst schools and students through:

  • on-campus programs for secondary students, such as 3D Astrotours presentations and the Swinburne-ConocoPhillips Science Experience – a fun three days of science activities for Year 9 and 10 students, at the Hawthorn campus.
  • the In2Science program, where Swinburne students work with high school teachers to act as role models and support the engaging teaching of science.
  • CSIRO’s Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools program, where Swinburne academics share their knowledge and passion for science.

To find out more about the KIOSC Careers of the Future program, visit www.kiosc.vic.edu.au/