CSIRO partnership enters second year

Penrith City Council has commenced the second year of its successful partnership with the CSIRO to boost the skills of the future workforce.

The Generation STEM Community Partnerships program is underway for 2022. This will see Year 9 and 10 students engage with industry professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) jobs as they take on inquiry-based projects, exploring solutions to real-world challenges.

Council’s three-year partnership with CSIRO was secured following Council’s successful Mayoral Skills Summit in 2019. The summit, which brought together more than 30 senior business leaders from industry, small business, universities, the training sector and government, highlighted the need to increase innovation and agility within the local workforce now and into the future.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen encouraged local businesses to get involved and said the program hugely benefits young people in our City.

“Council is proud to partner with CSIRO to deliver this program and we are calling on representatives from businesses in the Penrith LGA who can pass on invaluable skills and knowledge through mentoring, site visits, work experience and local careers events.”

Students from eight local schools participated in the STEM CPP in 2021 and worked closely with local businesses to investigate various community issues such as challenges around water, heat stress, transport and the Aerotropolis.

This year’s program launched last month with a virtual Industry Engagement Workshop well-attended by local business leaders from a range of industry sectors.

If you are interested in being a mentor, please get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.