The arrival of the ‘next generation’ F-35 fighter jet here in the Hunter highlights the fact that Next Generation, which suggests skills, ideas and technology of the future, is, in fact, now. The technology is already here – and with it comes a complex set of problems requiring a comprehensive set of Next Generation skills. Industry and RDA Hunter are working to equip a STEM-skilled, homegrown workforce to address these issues. The demand for skills is urgent. We need to act now: to prepare; to up-skill; re-skill; and, train.

 

RDA Hunter’s Next Generation is Now 2019 STEM Workforce Conference is being held on 9 April in Newcastle and will draw on the knowledge of industry, research and education experts to examine these issues, highlight the Hunter’s demand for skills, and ways to fill gaps in meeting this demand.

 

A stellar line-up of international, national and local presenters, led by OECD’s Head of Employment and Skills, Mr Jonathan Barr, the CEO of Foundation for Young Australia, Ms Jan Owen AM and Vice Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, will present insights on international mega-trends in workforce skilling through industry and research collaboration.

 

Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, NSW Health Pathology, Boeing Defence and AGL will scope the ‘next generation’ skills requirements in the Hunter region. The conference will give Hunter students the opportunity to consider the education system and how it’s preparing them for their future. Jan Owen will finish the day’s discussion with insights about the future of work and leading change.

 

The Conference will provide a forum for collaboration between industry, government and education providers to shape workforce development in the region. It’s an opportunity for RDA Hunter to gain an understanding of the future requirements of industry and tailor the next iterations of its STEM skilling initiatives accordingly.

 

The Next Generation is Now 2019 STEM Workforce Conference is presented in partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia, NSW Health Pathology, BAE Systems and Australia’s Department of Defence.

 

It will be held at Fort Scratchley Function Centre on Tuesday 9th April 2019. The cost is $225 + GST per person including full day conference registration and two-hour networking session.

 

Registrations can be made at http://www.rdahunterstem.org.au/stem-workforce-conference-overview/