Youth In Big Guns' Sights

Newcastle Herald

Monday November 17, 2008

By ALISON BRANLEY

THE Hunter Region has been awarded $2.9 million for a new science, technology and maths program in high schools that aims to encourage students to take up careers in the defence industry.

The Hunter Schools Pathway Program will create a clear route for students between years 9 and 12 to enter a career with defence force manufacturers in the region.

The program, which is co-ordinated by the Hunter Economic Development Corporation, has been designed to increase the pool of young people able to join the defence industry and build upon the area's strong manufacturing and aerospace skills base.

Major defence manufacturers in the region are BAE Systems, Boeing, Forgacs and Varleys.

The program will include developing a school curriculum that incorporates the maths, science and technical skills students will need to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing in the defence sector.

Students will be able to do work experience with Hunter defence manufacturers, hear about career opportunities in the defence industry and find out what qualifications are needed to pursue those careers.

The program will be tested at one Hunter school in 2010 and expanded to others after 2011.

Hunter-based Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said the program was part of $60 million being spent on similar programs around the country.

"[Parliamentary secretary for defence procurement] Greg Combet and I have been working hard in partnership with the State Government to build up the capacity and competitiveness of the Hunter's defence industry for some time now," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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