STEM students explore engineering and innovation at Gekko Systems
Ivy Nash (Ballarat Grammar), Elly Tepper (Ballarat Grammar), Jess Egan (Guest Engineer, City of Ballarat) and AnnaKano Nabubie (Ballarat High School) try the Engineer Your Future board game
Forty Year 9 and 10 students from 12 secondary schools across the Ballarat region will gain firsthand insight into world-leading engineering and mineral processing technology this week as part of the Ballarat Tech School’s STEM Academy Engineering Program, supported by Gekko Systems.
The immersive program has been developed collaboratively between Ballarat Tech School and the engineering experts at Gekko Systems, providing students with a unique behind-the-scenes look at the innovation, technology and problem-solving that underpin the globally successful engineering company.
Students will undertake a guided visit to Gekko Systems’ Ballarat headquarters and manufacturing facility alongside a specially designed engineering experience delivered at Ballarat Tech School, located at Federation University’s SMB Campus.
Through hands-on activities inspired by real-world engineering challenges, students will explore concepts including advanced manufacturing, automation, systems design and sustainable engineering practices. Working with industry-relevant equipment and processes, students will gain an understanding of how engineers apply science, technology and mathematics to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
Students will also hear directly from local engineers, technicians and project specialists, providing valuable insight into career pathways and opportunities within engineering and advanced manufacturing.
The experience is designed to inspire the next generation of STEM talent by connecting classroom learning with real-world industry applications, said STEM Pathways and Partnerships Manager Kirstyn Hall.
“This program gives students the opportunity to see engineering in action and understand how STEM skills are applied in real workplaces,” she said.
“By connecting students with industry professionals and authentic engineering challenges, we’re helping them develop a better understanding of the diverse and exciting careers available in advanced manufacturing, technology and engineering.”
The partnership highlights the important role local industry plays in supporting STEM education and creating pathways for young people into future-focused careers.
Students will also be among the first to experience Ballarat Tech School’s newly developed Engineer Your Future board game, an interactive activity that allows them to explore the many pathways into engineering and discover the diverse career opportunities available across Ballarat and beyond. The game has been designed to help students better understand the study, training and career choices that can lead to a future in engineering.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Gekko Systems for opening their doors to our students and giving them the opportunity to experience a world-class engineering and manufacturing business right here in Ballarat,” Ms Hall said.
“Programs like this help young people see that they don’t have to leave the region to pursue exciting and rewarding careers. Gekko demonstrates that there is a strong future for advanced manufacturing, engineering and innovation in Ballarat, and that local students can be part of that future as they go on to achieve great things in their careers.”
Gekko Systems is continuing its long-term investment in building a skilled workforce for the resources and manufacturing sectors, according to CEO Andrew Edmondston.
“From school tours, apprenticeships, traineeships and graduate opportunities to supporting the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) student chapters and the Melbourne Mining Club’s ‘Future of Mining’ student table, Gekko is creating pathways that connect emerging talent with industry and strengthen the future of manufacturing and mining innovation in regional Victoria.”
Founded in regional Victoria in 1996 and headquartered in Ballarat, Gekko Systems has grown into a globally recognised leader in gold and mineral processing technology. The company delivers innovative, efficient and sustainable solutions for mining operations in more than 50 countries, while maintaining its key operations and manufacturing in Ballarat.
The STEM Academy is a four-day program delivered across two terms in collaboration with two key local manufacturing and engineering industry partners, Gekko Systems and Haymes Paint.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment between education and industry to create meaningful pathways into STEM, advanced manufacturing and engineering careers for students across the Ballarat region.