The University of Newcastle recently hosted an event as part of the Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC), held at Olympic Park, Sydney. The SEC, a nationwide outreach program, exposes students to the possibilities within science and engineering, providing meaningful experiences and inspiring them to pursue careers in these fields.
Over 1,000 Year 10 students gathered for a dynamic 5-day event, diving hands-on into the world of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
UGL engineers volunteered their time, guiding young minds through a series of innovation and engineering activities. The students engaged in challenges designed to spark their creativity and problem-solving skills, such as constructing an earthquake-resistant tower, building a hovercraft or bridge, electrifying a city, and a timetable optimisation activity called Job Juggle.
Alexandra Rendina, an engineer from UGL’s rail and technology systems business (RTS) volunteered at the event and shared her enthusiasm: "It was incredible to witness the innovation and keen interest from the students. It was rewarding to observe their growth in knowledge, experimentation, and confidence during the event. Having participated in the challenge myself, and graduated from the University of Newcastle, returning as a volunteer engineer to support the next generation, has been an exceptionally fulfilling experience."
Kareen Ng, another engineer from RTS expressed her thoughts after facilitating the Job Juggle challenge: “The activity was relevant to real life engineering problems and stimulated the younger generation to think outside the box. Its aim was not only to test their logical thinking, but also to promote effective communication and collaboration, which are equally important in the engineering industry. It was great to see the dedication and eagerness of the students throughout the challenge. Overall, it was a very rewarding experience giving back to the community.”
This event is a testament to the power of community and the importance of fostering curiosity and innovation among young people. The UGL team is proud to contribute to shaping the future of science and engineering, encouraging students to dream big and make a meaningful difference in the world.