RDA Hunter’s ME Program, in an Australian first, is building a workforce of the future by linking industry with students from the Hunter’s secondary schools.

Now in its fourth year, RDA Hunters ME (Manufacturing Education) Program works to provide school students and teachers with current industry practices and knowledge while providing industry with an engaged and capable workforce. It encourages the uptake of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects by high school students which are key to careers in smart industries.

Since 2010 ME Program outcomes include,

  • One ME Program school offered an extension maths class (3 unit) for the first time ever in 2012
  • 7,500 Hunter students have been involved in the program
  • Industry participation has risen from 4 partner companies to 32
  • Partner company Ampcontrol has reported a 150% increase in apprenticeship applications
  • School participation has risen from four to 26
  • Selection of physics as a HSC subject is now equal with the NSW average
  • Selection of metals and engineering as HSC subjects is now double the NSW average

For more information and to view the new ME Program video visit www.meprogram.com.au or download the presentation of the ME outcomes  {module_literature,i,2916}