What is STEM?

STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through STEM and its pathways, students develop key skills including problem solving, creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, initiative, communication, and digital literacy.

Why is STEM important?

The global economy is changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation and new jobs are frequently emerging due to technological advances.

Advanced technology is changing how students learn, connect and interact. The skills students develop through STEM provide a foundation for success at school and beyond.

Employer demand for STEM qualifications has increased with new positions being created faster than they can be filled. Currently, 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest-growing industries require workers with STEM skills. For the Australian workforce to remain competitive, it needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace.

STEM empowers individuals with the skills to succeed and adapt to this changing world.

STEM Careers, Internships and Work Experience

Would you like to gain valuable experience working with the most successful name in Australian-produced underground mining equipment and add a well-respected reference to your resume?

Elphinstone provides internships for undergraduate students over the summer university break in engineering (December to February). Disciplines and engineering specialisations include, but are not limited to; Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, Manufacturing and Project Management.

Your time with us will allow you to apply your skills in real-life situations, and give you access to experts in your field.

Elphinstone can provide a better understanding of our industry and business, and help you choose your future career.

Engineering Specialisations

Mechatronics Engineering is multidisciplinary and deals with integrating electrical and mechanical systems. It can include a combination of robotics, electronics, computing, telecommunications, systems, control, product engineering, and electronics to create functional, smart products. Some of the indicative activities that may be undertaken when practising mechatronics engineering are:

  • develop solutions to industrial problems
  • product design, development and testing
  • automation
  • manufacturing
  • by-wire technologies for vehicles
  • modelling and simulation
  • motion control
  • teaching and training.

Mechatronics Engineers usually have applied knowledge in engineering, physics, and maths. They tend to be creative thinkers with complex problem-solving and advanced analytical skills.

Electrical Engineering deals with electricity generation, transmission, distribution, electrical equipment manufacture, instrumentation and control systems. Some of the indicative activities that may be undertaken when practising electrical engineering are:

  • design
  • development
  • installation
  • maintenance
  • manufacture
  • operation
  • research.

Electrical Engineers enjoy maths, physics, computers and electronic equipment. They also have an interest in problem-solving, innovative thinking and embracing new technologies.

Mechanical Engineering deals with the application of the principles of engineering and physics with the study of advanced materials for the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Some of the indicative activities that may be undertaken when practising mechanical engineering are:

  • consultancy
  • design
  • development
  • installation
  • maintenance
  • manufacture
  • operations
  • project management
  • research
  • testing.

Mechanical engineering suits people with an aptitude for technology, machines and tools, technical design and physics. Good communication and teamwork skills are important.

Electronics Engineering deals with scientific and engineering design to develop computer modelling tools, sophisticated electronics, hardware, software and control systems for machines & communications.

Some of the indicative activities that may be undertaken when practising electronics engineering are:

  • design and documentation
  • installation, testing and commissioning
  • manufacture and supply
  • operation and maintenance
  • quality assurance
  • research and development
  • teaching and training.

Electronic Engineers enjoy working with computers but are also avid problem solvers, innovative thinkers and quickly adapt to new technologies.

Project Management deals with the discipline of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria. Some of the indicative activities that may be undertaken when practising project management are to:

  • Understand the requirements of clients, wide-ranging stakeholders and society as a whole
  • Work to optimise social, environmental and economic outcomes over the full lifetime of the engineering project, program or process.
  • Exercise high-level business skills to identify cost, scope and time issues and develop an approach to ensure project delivery within the confines of the project constraints.
  • Ensure that technical and non-technical considerations are properly integrated.
  • Bring knowledge to bear from multiple sources to develop solutions to complex projects and inform project team members to apply those solutions effectively.
  • Exercise the necessary leadership to ensure that the engineering contribution is properly integrated into the totality of the project.
  • Interact effectively with other disciplines, professions and people.
  • Interpret technological possibilities for society, business and government.
  • Manage risk as well as sustainability issues in the delivery of projects.
  • Understand clearly how new developments relate to established practice and experience and to other disciplines with which they may interact.

Core qualities of a successful project manager include strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, adaptability to change, attention to detail, decisiveness, emotional intelligence & risk management skills.

For Students and Parents

If interested in Work Experience please speak with your school coordinator. We will always endeavour to accommodate the selected dates (ensuring at least 1-month notice is given), but unfortunately, this may not be possible in some instances. We will work with your school on an alternative if possible.

Before starting you (along with your parents and school) must complete the relevant paperwork or online modules provided.

For Schools

  • Adequate timeframe - Elphinstone requires a minimum of one (1) month's notice for all Work Experience (Work Placement) requests. Please note that there is no guarantee on certain dates, but we will do our best to find a solution if the requested dates are unavailable.
  • Paperwork - Before placement can be confirmed, all paperwork must be signed by the student, parents, and the school.
  • Insurance - Students must be covered by the school's liability insurance to be placed in the Elphinstone Work Experience Program. All schools must provide evidence of adequate insurance coverage before placement can be undertaken.

To find out more about our Work Experience and Internships, please call our Human Resources team on +61 3 6442 7777 or email careers@elphinstone.com

Elphinstone Pty Ltd is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.