FUTURE JOBS STEM FROM A SOUND EDUCATION
Two schools in the Light electorate will benefit from the State Government’s new $250 million investment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and related infrastructure in schools across the State.
Gawler and District College will be the beneficiary of $3.5 million to build STEM related facilities and equipment, while Roseworthy PriMary School receives a $1 million boost. Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo welcomed the announcement stating that the investment will assist our young people in obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for the jobs of the future.
Mr Piccolo said with our state economy shifting focus to new technology based advanced manufacturing, we need to ensure our schools are equipped to deliver the relevant curriculum.
“Three quarters of the fastest growing occupations are technology-related, so our children and young people will need new skill sets in the workplace, with a strong focus on STEM,” Mr Piccolo said.
Mr Piccolo said the infrastructure program will not only provide exciting, new facilities for students in our local schools but also a boost to local economies through the significant building works generated.
The facilities under the program will be fast tracked to assist the building and trade industries to create additional employment opportunities in the local area.
Mr Piccolo acknowledged that while the quality of the teaching in the classroom is very important to young people’s learning, appropriate facilities can complement and make the curriculum more diverse and interesting.
“Principals at the two schools in my area are excited by the new opportunities this huge investment in STEM will create,” said Mr Piccolo.
“Understanding science, mathematics and technology is critical to our community’s wellbeing, through the development of the right skills and knowledge.”
“This investment will enable children at a younger age to be exposed to new learning opportunities, setting a sound foundation for their futures.”
While the investment program is for public schools, the State Government has also announced a new loan initiative to support local non-government schools upgrade their facilities. In the State Budget brought down last week, the government announced it would provide non-government schools with $250 million in low interest loans to help those schools upgrade their infrastructure and $10.6 million to modernise the delivery of the South Australian Certificate of Education.
Additionally, $3.1 million is in the budget to complete the redevelopment of Evanston Gardens PriMary School this financial year. More information about the State Government Budget initiatives can be found at www.statebudget.sa.gov.au