Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) plays a crucial role within the poultry industry. STEM contributes to various aspects of production, management and sustainability. From developing better feed rations to understanding poultry physiology so that we can improve health and productivity there are many aspects of the poultry industry that we can show younger generations.
In order to showcase the poultry industry, Poultry Hub Australia have partnered with CSIRO education and outreach team to deliver a series of poultry based activities that will have a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) approach. These sessions will be with school aged students with the benefit that the educators have direct access to Poultry Hub staff to create more activities that relate directly with the school curriculum. The hope is that this program will connect industry to education as well as introduce students to the poultry industry and showcase the wide and varied range of opportunities available within the industry. Poultry Hub are keen to show the students the varied career opportunities within the industry from veterinary science to nutrition as well as animal husbandry and data analysis and artificial intelligence. There are many opportunities to show students that they could work on real-world challenges within the poultry industry for example working on feed efficiency or managing waste.
This is an opportunity to work with the educators to increase their knowledge in particular areas of the poultry industry and gain an understanding of the industry so that in the future they will be confident with teaching students poultry industry related STEM activities.
By inspiring the younger generation, the poultry industry will have a skilled workforce who will be able to understand the new technologies and methods. With young minds brings fresh talent and new ideas. Encouraging involvement in STEM now can lead to new solutions in the industry. Younger generations have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient poultry industry sector.
The project will kick off in September 2024 and the PHA team are keen to get started. By actively engaging and educating the younger generation about STEM in the poultry industry we can cultivate a skilled and enthusiastic future workforce while addressing the industry’s evolving challenges and opportunities. Poultry Hub are excited to be actively involved in the CSIRO educational partnership and we look forward to the opportunity to work together to promote STEM and the opportunities available within the poultry industry.
-Carissa Anderson
