In today’s ever evolving, tech-driven economy, fostering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is crucial for Australia’s gold sector.
Students at Aranmore Catholic College assess geological maps
STEM in Gold
A Year 6 student from Edgewater Primary School studies a rock sample from a Gold Resources Kit
Australia’s gold mining industry, a critical sector of the nation's economy, offers numerous career opportunities across various STEM disciplines. Careers in geology, engineering, environmental science, and data analytics allow young professionals to apply their technical knowledge to real-world challenges, making the gold sector an exciting field for those passionate about STEM.
Whether it's unlocking new resources, improving sustainability, or leveraging data to optimise operations, there’s no shortage of opportunities for young professionals to expand their expertise and make meaningful contributions. The gold sector provides a dynamic environment for innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Year 6 students at Edgewater Primary School collaborate on a pulley activity
As the demand for STEM skills grows across all industries, the gold industry must continue to connect with and develop its workers of tomorrow. This is critical for driving innovation and ensuring the industry’s sustainability.
Recognising the importance of nurturing future talent, the Gold Industry Group launched The National Gold Education Program in 2020. Since then, the Program has made great strides in inspiring students to explore careers in the gold sector and related STEM fields through interactive and hands-on learning experiences.
A Year 12 student at Aranmore Catholic College examines a gold sample
What is the National Gold Education Program?
The National Gold Education Program provides teachers with free educational resources that explore the economic, environmental, and social impact of Australia's gold industry. It aims to spark curiosity and interest in STEM-related careers within the sector.
Gold Class Facilitator and Gold Fields Project Geologist Maddy Booth delivers a Gold Class Session to students
A key feature of the program is the Gold Class STEM Sessions and Gold Class Career Sessions, which introduce students from Years 4 to 12 to concepts such as the geology of gold, mining methods, sustainability, and the economic and social impact of mining.
Facilitated by industry professionals, these sessions allow students to engage in real-life challenges and STEM-based activities while gaining insights into the wide range of career paths available in the sector.
To further support learning, the Gold Industry Group provides schools across the country with Gold Resources Kits, featuring a range of educational resources aligned with the Australian Curriculum. These kits include rock and gold samples from Australian mines, along with supporting materials like geological hand lenses.
By allowing students to physically examine real gold and minerals, the Program brings abstract concepts to life, offering a tangible connection to the science behind the industry and giving them a true feel for the work that happens in the field.
Backed by Data
Through the National Gold Education Program, the Gold Industry Group is not only promoting STEM education but also addressing industry challenges highlighted in the Australian Government’s STEM Career Pathways Report. This report from Science & Technology Australia reveals the growing demand for STEM skills across various sectors, including mining, and projects that STEM occupations will grow significantly faster than non-STEM jobs.
The report also emphasises the importance of work-integrated learning, mentoring, and industry collaboration to ensure students are "job-ready" for fields like mining. Programs like the National Gold Education Program play a crucial role in addressing these recommendations by providing early STEM exposure and practical work-based experiences that prepare students for the workforce.
Retention in STEM careers, according to the report, depends on strong workplace cultures, clear career development opportunities, and visible pathways into industries like mining. The Gold Industry Group’s efforts to engage students early and showcase diverse career paths are ensuring that Australia’s gold sector remains innovative and sustainable for years to come.
Gold Industry Group Education Advisor Holly Stevenson stressed the importance of investing in future generations.
“If we can show students from an early age the value of STEM, critical thinking, and the variety of ways to contribute to a thriving industry like gold, we are securing a future we can be proud of,” she said.
“We want a safe, sustainable, and diverse workforce in gold for generations to come, and it is a privilege to help facilitate that with the Gold Industry Group.”
By investing in STEM education, particularly through hands-on programs and industry partnerships, the Gold Industry Group is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of Australia's gold sector and ensuring it remains a vibrant, forward-looking industry.