The Next Generation Schools Program is almost wrapped up their presentation visits for 2024, providing students a sound introduction to the industry and insights into the future of energy, 
careers, and project lifecycle.

We were pleased to have approximately 1,700 students from across twenty-nine schools participating in this years program. 

Our Challenges
Over recent years we have identified a need for a tailored approach
to our offerings to schools based on their needs; as many utilise the program in diverse ways. With some incorporating it to build on their
STEM and other in-school extension programs. While other schools
find it beneficial to stimulate struggling students, encouraging different types of opportunities and ways to help ignite a passion. 

The importance to matching the right mentor to the right student
group, and strengthening mentor and teacher relationships, is also a strong point of focus for Energy Club WA for this year. Industry mentors are a precious commodity, especially in this busy, tightly scheduled way-of-working most are known to operate in today. Our current demand is greater than supply available. While rapid growth is something we are overjoyed with, there is a limit to our ability to meet this demand without the support of our sponsors. 

New Opportunities
After discussions with the Mid West Development Commission, we now have some new contacts and areas of focus for program expansion and will be working on developing the relationships and potentially expanding the program further regionally.

Program Developments
Energy Club WA are broadening schools’ initiatives to include more mini careers days, and large panel sessions for this year’s participating schools. 

We were thankful for one of our mentors to be available to present to the Russian School of Western Australia in August for National Science Week on ‘Energy - it’s forms
and applications’, which sparked 
engaging discussions and a strong curiosity among the students. We hope to continue these presentations for 2025. 

This October, Energy Club WA will be taking part in our first Careers Counsel at Trinity College. We’ll have a few of our volunteer mentors in attendance as well to discuss
the energy industry and career pathways options with the year 10 students. Hopefully, boosting knowledge and interest in the industry among the students, who may be otherwise unaware of the possibilities.

Georgiana Molloy Anglican School will again host an event during November, with an anticipated eighty students in attendance, from both Georgiana Molloy Anglican
School and Busselton Senior High School. We do already have a number of gracious mentors in place to attend this, however, if your company has any content or materials available to supply to the students on courses or career pathway possibilities - please reach out to the club for how we can support your organisation for your in-kind
donations which help to provide better access for students in more remote areas.

In addition, we are in discussions with other regional schools in the Mid-West, as well as the Kalbarri area. Watch this space for potential developments and further
growth in the region.

Site Visits and Excursions
University of Western Australia campus
Excursions in partnership with UWA were held earlier in the year at their Crawley and Shenton Park facilities, with the second held in September. 
Students from Rossmoyne Senior High School and Sacred heart College had an amazing time playing a game of ‘Ocean Feud’ and a Future Energy Transition game,
toured the National Geotechnical Centrifuge Facility, Swan River Lab Demonstration, and a visit to the Coastal and Offshore Engineering Lab in Shenton Park. All the
students involved had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed the activities provided by UWA. 
ERGT Australia
Our program partners ERGT, are set to provide another guided tour of their facilities for the Lakelands Senior High School students in October. They have also
organised activities for the students to try out firsthand; Confined Space Escape, Observing Fire Safety Training, as well as operating the fire extinguishers and
seeing a flare set off in the fire training area.
Perth Basin
Another site visit for the remaining participating Perth Basin Schools is in the process of being organised for November, in partnership with Mineral Resources.
The students will get to see a rig site and speak with some of the employees and landowners. These excursions are invaluable for the students to experience
what is happening in their community, as well as learning of the possible career prospects in the area.
iFly prize excursion
The students of Churchlands Senior High School, who placed third at last years program wrap-up, the 2023 Student Expo Day, recently attended their prize
experience in September thanks to our sponsors iFly. It’s an exciting first time win for Churchlands who have been participating in the program for many years.
The group and their teacher had a great time at iFly Burswood and expressed their enjoyment saying how it was a fantastic prize, “definitely worth winning.” 
We look forward to seeing more students enjoy these amazing prizes after this year’s Student Expo this month at ECU Joondalup.

Student Expo Day at ECU Joondalup
The competitive component of the program and overall highlight, is the Student Expo Day. We are in the final stages of preparations for this exciting day held
at Edith Cowan University, Joondalup Campus on Friday 29th November 2024.

All students are welcome at the expo, urging those in particular who have shown a strong interest in the Energy Industry. Last year, we had over three hundred
students attend, which goes to show the impact the program is having on our next generation. The Expo Day also exposes students to see how campus life
operates and gives them an opportunity to scope out the amazing facilities and courses that ECU has to offer.

Our sponsors and partners provided amazing interactive displays and simulations for the students to participate in a fun and interactive environment.
This also helps facilitate the question-and-answer process between students and industry representatives. 

In their designated teams, students can visit the interactive displays and quizzes setup around the campus, generating team points on completion of each activity.
Collecting bonus points by completing some of the quizzes based on what they have learned throughout the year. 
 

Thank You for your Support
This program would not be possible without the support of our mentors and sponsors. This year, the Next Generation Schools Program was fortunate enough to
have significant support from a group of exceptional industry representatives who are providing mentorship and drive for the program.

Could your organisation have capacity to help grow our program? 
We have several sponsor tiers to suit any sized organisation and are supportive of any community or event-specific interests that prospective sponsors may have. The Club
are always in need of more volunteers who enjoy giving back and passionate in motivating the next generation. Have you considered signing up to mentor at a school?

Our mentors provide their time on a voluntary basis, giving students the opportunity to hear firsthand from industry professionals, share their skills and experiences with the students - one of the most highly valued inclusions to the program.

Sign up for mentorship today and ignite students passion for energy!
Mentoring is a rewarding experience - we encourage you to apply! Volunteer your time to visit with high school students, from years 8 to 10, and share your experience
of working in the energy industry. This can be a truly rewarding experience, a chance to give back to your community and engage with aspiring students.
We have two different mentor positions available, Lead and Co-Lead mentors or Panel (Career) mentors. *Working With Children Check required.

The future is in our hands, and the Next Generation Committee look forward to building and developing the program with your support!

To get involved, please contact Michelle Kearney, Next Generation Schools Program Coordinator at: education@energyclubwa.org.au, or phone us on 08 9226 3779.

Thank you to our 2024 Program Sponsors:

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