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Pilot digital technology program with government and schools
SIMEC Mining Iron Ore has partnered with the South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) and Catholic Education South Australia to deliver a STEM Digital Technology pilot program in Whyalla.
The SACOME pilot was conducted at six Catholic institutions including the Samaritan College primary schools in Whyalla. The program aims to empower educators to teach STEM skills, increase student interest in technology-based career pathways and support the future skilled-talent pipeline needed for the South Australian resources sector and other essential industries.
Consisting of an initial workshop, online teacher collaboration meeting and one-hour sessions every week for two months, the program engaged students in fun, hands-on challenges demonstrating real-world application of fundamental digital technology skills in industries including the resources sector, defence, robotics, information technology and more.
It was a great opportunity for students, and teachers, to get real experience in the sort of coding, programming and automation that is becoming so vital in the mining industry that operates where they live and go to school
Head of Organisational Development for GFG Alliance in Whyalla, Bianca Standing
The students were able to develop coding and programming to operate fundamental bots to map out areas in Whyalla like the steelworks and iron ore mines while programming vehicle-like robots to perform functions like following a path and displaying information.
Head of Organisational Development for GFG Alliance in Whyalla, Bianca Standing said the STEM Digital Technology Pilot program was a great opportunity for SIMEC to contribute further to educational development within the community and a great opportunity for future learning. Two representatives from SIMEC and six Samaritan teachers and up to 15 students were involved in the pilot at the Whyalla colleges.
“The pilot program was a success for both teachers and students and something SIMEC Mining was proud to be involved,” Bianca said.
“It was a great opportunity for students, and teachers, to get real experience in the sort of coding, programming and automation that is becoming so vital in the mining industry that operates where they live and go to school.
SACOME Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Knol thanked SIMEC Mining and all industry partners for their support of the pilot.
“The pilot was extremely successful and has paved the way for SACOME to continue to advocate for its rollout across South Australian Government Schools,” Ms Knol said.
SACOME is the leading association for the Resources & Energy sector in South Australia. The pilot program was delivered in partnership with Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and industry partners SIMEC Mining, BHP, Nyrstar, Hillgrove Resources and Fortescue.
Main picture: Teachers and SIMEC Mining representatives at the launch of the pilot program. Above right: GFG Alliance Senior Workforce Development Advisor Rebecca Harris takes part in the pilot program. Below: Teachers and students test the activities during the pilot program.
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