Sky’s the limit for STEM students

STUDENTS within the Ballarat Tech School’s Girls in STEM program met and learnt from some high-flyers in the Australian Defence Force recently.

ADF drone racers Sapper Alex Brown and Private Hamish Glove met the program’s 50 year 8 and 9 participants to demonstrate how digital technologies like drones, and 3D printed objects, can be applied to real world scenarios.

Sapper Brown is the drone racing team captain and said the sport is growing in popularity with professional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pathways.

“We are always really thrilled to be part of programs that provide greater access for young people to engage with STEM and learn about drone racing as a sport and but also the digital skills that you learn along the way,” he said.

“A lot of the students on the program have a real interest in career pathways in STEM and they had a lot of questions about military careers and life in the services.”

The students also met Seaman Henry Heron and Able Seaman Grace Piesse-Smith as part of the event.

“Able Seaman Piesse-Smith has just returned from sea so it was fantastic that she could share her experiences with the group,” Sapper Brown said.

ADF drone racing association president Wing Commander Keirin Joyce said the armed forces welcome, and need, young people who are interested in a career in STEM.

“Wherever we go, the drone racing team tries to engage as many young people as we can to show them how much fun there is in drone racing, and also the huge potential in the future within the STEM fields,” he said.