Karratha and Roebourne students get a taste of university life from The University of Western Australia team

A team from The University of Western Australia visited Karratha and Roebourne last week, giving high school students in the region a taste of university life and science, technology, engineering and maths careers. The visit aimed to engage high school students and raise awareness of the opportunities at university. Students participated in activities teaching them how STEM professionals solve complex problems, including working with budget constraints. Comprising two equity programs at UWA — Aspire UWA and Girls in Engineering — the program includes workshops for students to increase their university aspirations. UWA student equity manager Tara Broadhurst said although progress was being made, there was still a lack of understanding among high school students about STEM and its career pathways. “There are many barriers preventing school students from considering science and engineering jobs,” she said. “Some of these include stereotypes that start at a young age about who is best suited to the field.” Ms Broadhurst said there was still the belief STEM was a field better suited for men, which discouraged women from considering a career in the field. There was still also a lack of understanding about the careers available in STEM fields, she said. “The career options are growing and continue to grow with the rapid changes in technology,” Ms Broadhurst said.