Initiatives in action

Questacon’s Engineering is Elementary program is a free professional development opportunity designed to enhance teachers’ skills in delivering STEM education.

Chloe Heffernan, a STEM coordinator from South Australia’s Flaxmill School P-6, utilises Questacon’s Engineering is Elementary program in her classroom and recognises the importance of an early introduction to science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

“Primary school kids are the key. If you don’t engage them early in STEM thinking, by high school it’s too late,” Heffernan said.

“The program makes such a difference. It builds a positive STEM identity for our kids. It’s not even a ‘lightbulb’ moment for them, it’s like their brains are exploding!”

“It’s so much more than just learning the concepts; a key benefit is the growth mindset. If students haven’t been exposed to STEM, they think there’s just one right answer to a question. By adding the real-world context though, they suddenly understand that they’re trying to actually fix things and make a difference.”

Questacon delivers the Engineering is Elementary program nationally and are supported by the Australian Department of Defence.

The program is recognised in the SA Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan for its impact, engaging South Australian primary school students in STEM learning to shape their early career aspirations.

In 2024, the University of South Australia was the nation’s first higher education provider to pilot a hybrid Degree Apprenticeship program, inviting a cohort of software engineering students to combine their studies with paid industry placements.

Participant Daniel Tweedale is a mature-aged student and BAE Systems Australia apprentice. As someone who learns more effectively through hands-on experience, Daniel says the blend of apprenticeship and academic studies “not only allows me to succeed, but to thrive”.

“The opportunity to apply classroom theory directly into real world scenarios is a very effective way to learn”

“In the workplace, we engage with real projects and benefit from mentorship by experienced software engineers.” he said.

“The work-study model of the program has been life changing for me, enabling me to pursue a degree while maintaining a healthy work-life balance—something I deeply value as a father. It allows me to earn a stable income without the added burden of tuition fees and paves the way for a promising career ahead.”

Through the SA Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan, the Australian and South Australian Governments are supporting the establishment of Degree Apprenticeship programs that prepare students for roles within the state’s fast-growing defence industry.

While this program is nation-leading, the model has already proven successful in the United Kingdom—transforming career seekers into highly skilled, work-ready graduates.

Beginning in Semester 1 2025, Flinders University in partnership with the Australian Submarine Corporation will launch a second-degree apprenticeship pilot in Mechanical Engineering (Honours).