Third time's a charm for STEMinists

After three rescheduled dates due to COVID, the Industry Capability and Inclusion team were finally able to run the face-to-face STEMinist workshop in August for secondary school students.

The day long workshop saw students from East Doncaster Secondary College and Victoria University Polytechnic participate in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) based activities.

Guest speakers Lisa Hogben, Ashlee Oakley, and Teeshal Bal from Metro Trains, some of Victoria’s foremost female industry leaders, gave students a deep insight into what a career in transport infrastructure and project management involves and the opportunities available within their respective disciplines.

After lunch, students had the opportunity to put their project management and STEM skills into action and design the fictitious ‘Sapphire Station.’ Each group had to consider accessibility, cost and sustainability in their design then pitch the idea to the wider group.

Through the Victorian Government’s Training for the Future (TFTF) Program, the Level Crossing Removal Project, along with Industry partners, run a series of programs and initiatives for secondary school students to promote opportunities and careers in rail and rail infrastructure.

The STEMinist workshop for year 7 to 10 students encourages young women to consider study and careers in STEM.