About us
The Bright Future STEM program is facilitated by the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA).
Designed by AREEA and delivered to Primary schools across Australia, Bright Future STEM responds to the significant growth forecast in the resources and energy sector and the demand for a STEM-skilled workforce over the coming decades. It works to reverse a decline in the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).
AREEA launched the national, school-based Bright Future STEM program in 2019.
The program engages children in Years 5-6 in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) at an early age and raises awareness of the career opportunities in the resources and energy industry from choosing to study STEM subjects.
Through STEM industry role models promoting the diverse and rewarding future STEM employment opportunities in the resources and energy industry, and participating in hands-on, STEM-based activities, students are inspired and encouraged to pursue an interest in STEM careers.
The resources and energy is forecasting significant growth over the next 20 years, creating a multitude of employment opportunities for the next generation.
About AREEA
Since 1918, AREEA has worked to ensure Australia’s resources and energy industry is an attractive place to invest, employ and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.
With this deep understanding and industry experience, we know the importance of raising awareness of our sector amongst young Australians to build the future pipeline of home-grown skills.
Meet the Team
Tara Diamond
I am the Director of Operations at AREEA and initiated and oversee the program.
What is your favourite thing about the bright future STEM program?
Apart from being able to provide this amazing program to primary school students across Australia and give employers in the Resources and Energy Industry via Industry Role Models the opportunity to speak to students about STEM and the career and life opportunities it provides, my very favourite thing is a bit bigger picture. The number of females that study STEM in high school, uni or via a trade is very low compared with boys. In order to provide females the opportunities to work in a STEM field and get access to the amazing jobs (often high paying) we need to engage and inspire both girls and boys, but especially girls at a young age.
What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Economics. I love learning all about economics, especially the people, social and political elements.
What do you find most interesting about the resources and energy sector?
Definitely the people and problem solving! I find the people that make up the industry who they are and what their jobs are so fascinating. The jobs in the industry are so varied and have a high degree of problem solving.
Why do you think STEM is important?
STEM is everything and everywhere! All aspects of our life relate to the fundamentals of STEM. The science and maths elements are across so many industries and jobs and the technology, engineering aspects are so important to fundamental industries like resources and energy.
Gail Gifford
Events Manager
What is your favourite thing about the bright future STEM program?
My favourite thing is being able to deliver such a fantastic program with a range of fun and interactive STEM activities to thousands of students across Australia. Being involved in the student’s excitement is the best part by far!
What was your favourite subject at school and why?
My favourite subject at school was Maths as I like working with numbers and it is a big part of my role as Events Manager dealing with budgets, logistics, coordination, and planning.
What do you find most interesting about the resources and energy sector?
The most interesting part about the sector for me is that it has so many diverse and unique opportunities for so many people. I love that in my role I can engage with all our members and I get to meet so many people who help make the industry so great.
Why do you think STEM is important?
I think STEM is an important part of our everyday lives, whether we realise it or not. It helps us communicate, work together, solve problems and continue to develop and grow as people.
Jane Mathers
QLD Office Coordinator
What is your favourite thing about the bright future STEM program?
The delight of the students when they complete the STEM challenges
What was your favourite subject at school and why?
Maths, as it’s based on logic. I used a lot of maths in my role now.
What do you find most interesting about the resources and energy sector?
How much it contributes to life every day
Why do you think STEM is important?
It’s a set of very important skills for the future
Since its inception in 2019, the Bright Future STEM program has reached over 7000 students nationally.
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STEM Kids TV
Meet STEM professionals and learn more about their careers in the Resources and Energy Industry
