New Space Workforce initiative takes flight

by inspiringnsw2017

The New Space Workforce initiatives connect Australia’s vibrant space industry and space research community with students and teachers, as part of a suite of activities aiming to adopt a “whole-of-government” approach to ensure our future workforce is capable of supporting the 1.2 million jobs required in the tech industry worldwide.

Feature image: Young Space Explorers – The team from the Monash Nova Rover working with students to produce mini rovers.

On Friday 2nd December over 500, students, teachers, space industry experts, universities and government employees converged on Sydney to help build the future space workforce. The majority of schools were from region and rural NSW schools.

Led by UNSW Canberra Space, NSW Department of Education (SISP and RIEP) and the NSW Space Research Network with support from the Lockheed Martin Australia Pty Ltd and Australian Space Agency, the New Space Workforce initiative included a series of interconnected events:

  1. Young Space Explorers – An immersive dive into the emerging Australian space industry. Over 250 students from Year 9 and 10 met with experts at the space expo and through hands-on challenges they developed knowledge of STEM.
  2. Inter-Agency Workshop – This stakeholder sessions included over 50 national and state leaders in space industry development. The workshop concluded with an agreement to develop practical and achievable solutions for workforce development and the establishment of a working group.
  3. The Great Space Pitch – Four finalist from the Australian Virtual Astronaut Challenge, presented their ideas in front of an esteemed panel of judges, including Joel Connolly Blackbird, Philip Citowicki – Lockheed Martin, Julia Dickinson – Lockheed Martin, Ted Tagami – User Advisory Committee – Education Chair International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory and Russell Boyce – Chair for Intelligent Space Systems, Director, UNSW Canberra Space.
  4. Space Industry/Education Networking – In the evening over 100 people from Australia’s vibrant space industry, government and the space research ecosystem met with leaders in the space education community.
Tara Anglican School for Girls, winners of the inaugural The Great Space Pitch.
Young Space Explorers – Aude Vignelles, Chief Technology Officer and General Manager from the Australian Space Agency address students about the future of the Australian Space Industry

Thanks to all those who were involved in the space expo; Powerhouse, University of Sydney, University of Newcastle, University of Wollongong, Macquarie University, Lockheed Martin Australia Pty Ltd, Bluesat UNSW, Optus Satellite and Space Systems, Makers Empire, The Andy Thomas Space Foundation, Australian Centre for Astrobiology, Hastings Secondary College – Port Macquarie Campus.

Thanks to those who ran workshops; UNSW Canberra Space, UNSW, Monash Nova Rover, STEM Punks, Fizzics Education, University of Wollongong, Nominal Systems, University of Newcastle, Australian Centre for Astrobiology.

Thanks to Aude Vignelles, Ben Newsome CF FRSA, Jillian Williams, David R Reynolds, Matt Bold, Chloe Chang, Julia Dickinson, Christina Houghton, and Anntonette Dailey.

Guest post by Dr Scott Sleap STEM Project Advisor 7 – 12 | Curriculum Secondary Learners | Curriculum and Reform Directorate and STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) Program