Australia’s Chief Scientist acknowledges that 70% of jobs in the future will require employees to have related skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The jobs forecasts in Queensland; by The Australian Institute (April 2016), suggest 20% growth by 2019, with particular emphasis around professional, scientific and technical services, equating to an additional 36,700 jobs state-wide.
To complement these trends, Griffith University’s Sciences faculty is unveiling a unique suite of double degrees to enhance the employability prospects of its graduates.
Northern and central Queensland high school students will have the opportunity to find out more about these new degree programs, as Griffith Sciences Group resumes its inaugural ‘Future-proof your career, The Griffith STEM Roadshow’ starting in Cairns on Tuesday 1 August 2017, before the Rockhampton (16 August) and Mackay (17 August) legs of the educational tour.
“With the continued acceleration in scientific discovery, coupled with the ongoing impact of technological disruption, means individuals with STEM skills will have an advantage in the highly competitive job market,” said Griffith’s Pro Vice Chancellor (Sciences) Professor Andrew Smith.
The Good Education Group (May, 2016) supports this notion, suggesting STEM graduates are in greater demand as they have more specialised and transferable skills within the workplace, yet fewer people are pursuing such careers across the scientific fields.
“We encourage our students to diversify their knowledge base and skillset through double degrees in, or outside the STEM fields. Our experiential learning teaching methods coupled with industry placements and work integrated learning opportunities equip our students with employability skills such as problem solving, creative thinking and team work, which are highly sought after among employers.”
“Our new trimester model provides students with flexibility to accelerate or decelerate their programs or undertake a global learning experience through an overseas internship, study or exchange program.
“What it adds up to is a robust and relevant educational environment.”
Among eight new degree programs being offered, are a world and Australian first Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Aviation combination, a complementary Bachelor of Environmental Sciences/ Bachelor of Business degree, plus an exciting initiative which explores the practical implications of drones in the newly created Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring in Electronics and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles engineering degree.
“Our degree programs are developed in consultation with industry partners to ensure our graduates have the knowledge and skills the industry wants and needs,” added Professor Smith.
“This can be seen by our recently acquired number two national status among publicly funded universities within the Australian Government’s Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) survey.
“In particular, our status is well above the national average in architecture, science and maths, which should instil added confidence among our future students.
With the blanketed and varied uses of computers in our everyday professional and personal lives, these programs are bound to draw a lot of attention.
‘Future-proof your career, The Griffith STEM Roadshow’ will take place in Cairns (Tues 1 Aug at Rydges Esplanade Resort), Rockhampton (Wed 16 Aug at The Travelodge) and Mackay (Thur 17 Aug at The Entertainment and Convention Centre). The Roadshow is a free event running from 5pm and people must pre-register online at https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/outreach/sciences-roadshow
Numerous research and teaching academics who have ties to each of the regions will also be available to discuss the multitude of program study options available, and highlight some of the many achievements and milestones of Griffith Sciences students.
New undergraduate degree programs at Griffith Sciences in 2018
Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring in Electronics and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles engineering
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring inCivil and Architectural engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electronic and Computer Engineering
New undergraduate double degrees
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Mechanical Engineering/ Bachelor of Industrial Design
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Aviation
Bachelor of Environmental Sciences/ Bachelor of Business
