JAR Aerospace saw the gap in the education space and developed a program: JAR Education, to attract more students in entering the space and technological industries.

Sam Lewinson from JAR Education said the program is not only designed to fulfill skills shortages, but to increase Australia as a “global competitor” in the space race and in sovereign defence capabilities over the next decade. 

“We need to have a huge industry involvement, being engaged with education and ensuring students have meaningful programs by developing their skills to ensure they become job ready,” Mr Lewinson said.

Kildare Catholic College hosted a JAR Education drone workshop for 24 teachers across the Riverina to get hands-on with drones and realise the opportunities for them within society and through STEM teaching. 

STEM and design technology years seven to 12 teacher from Kildare Catholic College, Jenny Watt, has had no prior experience of drone technology teaching and said this will give teachers a head start. 

“It’s definitely vital to the new curriculum starting next year, especially in years seven to eight, putting the teachers here today at the forefront or a step ahead of what they will be teaching next year,” Mrs Watt said. 

Not exclusive to private schools, this program is open to all students no matter where they live and whether they attend Anglican, Catholic, government or independent schools. 

The teachers received a five and a half accredited hours, attaining to their career stages, as well as the JAR Education eight-week program for students that is being revised to fit multiple curriculum and year levels. 

The program includes a wide set of resources for students and teachers and will be taught differently depending on the teacher’s utilisation with juggling the different needs, passions and interests of the students.