Unlocking Careers Series inspires Indigenous high school students to dream big
Western Sydney University recently hosted the final instalment of its Unlocking Careers Series for Indigenous high school students, delivering a powerful day of inspiration, learning, and community connection.
Held on Friday, 8 November the inaugural Unlocking Careers in Science, Technology and Engineering event welcomed over 100 Indigenous students in Years 9-12 to the Parramatta South campus. This was the third event in this year’s series, which also featured Unlocking Careers in Sport & Health and Unlocking Careers in Humanities and Creative Industries earlier in the year.
Led by Project Officer Amelia Corr from the Future Student Indigenous Engagement team at Western Sydney University, the event aimed to expose students to the vast opportunities available in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Students participated in hands-on workshops on diverse topics including Animal Science, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Forensic Science, Industrial Design, Environmental Science, Construction Management, Health in ICT, and Medical Science.
A highlight of the day was also the Yarn Up Q&A panel, where students interacted with inspiring Indigenous professionals who shared insights from their educational and career journeys. Panellists included:
- Associate Professor Corey Tutt OAM, founder of Deadly Science
- Renee Cawthorne, Indigenous Fellow in the School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University
- Sarah Rees, Designer, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
- Matthew Taylor, Badanami Student Success Officer, Western Sydney University
Project Officer Amelia Corr said the students, who joined close to 450 peers participating in the series across 2024, enjoyed the practical, hands-on workshops offered at Unlocking Careers in Science, Technology and Engineering.
“The most popular topics were forensic, environmental and medical science, as well as graphic design. While the Yarn Up Q&A panel was extremely insightful with panellist each shared about their journeys, challenges and successes, as well as the importance of staying grounded in identity and community. Students asked challenging questions about how to navigate these barriers as a young Indigenous person,” said Ms Corr.
Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership, said this year’s Unlocking Careers Series provided Indigenous students with a valuable platform to explore future educational and career opportunities.
“Thank you to all of the wonderful panellists, academics and schools who supported this event and series. This initiative is one of the ways we can empower the next generation of Indigenous leaders and professionals,” said Professor Trudgett.
To learn more about the Unlocking Careers series and future events, visit the webpage (opens in a new window)
ENDS
27 November 2024
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