Western Sydney Airport and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, are working together to encourage local students to choose STEM careers.
Western Sydney Airport (WSA) has teamed up with CSIRO’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP), as part of the Generation STEM initiative, inviting high school students to visit the airport construction site and hear from the experts bringing Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport to life.
Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the airport will be the catalyst for the creation of tens of thousands of high-quality jobs and opportunities across the region, in areas such as education, manufacturing, engineering and defence.
Once operational, at least half of all jobs at the airport will go to Western Sydney locals.
“We want to inspire and empower the next generation of creative young minds to take up a career in STEM and perhaps work at Western Sydney International in the future,” Hickey said. “Whether it be protecting critical infrastructure through a career in cyber security, or building tomorrow’s technology as a robotics technician, the possibilities are endless.”
“Most importantly, we want to show our young people that these exciting career opportunities will be right on their doorstep in Western Sydney by the time they are out of university.”
The programme kicked off with a virtual presentation to Year 9 and 10 students from schools across Western Sydney, including Cabramatta High School, Hoxton Park High School, Liverpool Boys High School, Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton and St Marks Catholic College.
The students heard from WSA engineers who shared insights into their own STEM career journeys. They also heard about the pathways available to reach STEM career opportunities the airport will create when it opens in late 2026.
“Local students are perfectly positioned to take advantage of new job opportunities and career pathways opening up around Western Sydney International and be the next generation of leading innovators,” said CSIRO director of education and outreach Susan Burchill. “Through this partnership, we are encouraging them to pursue their passion for STEM.”
