Engineering the Future Symposium | Aligning Action; Accelerating Equity

15 Jul 2026

I was honoured to present at the Engineering the Future Symposium at UNSW, sharing Plumpton High School’s work to increase women in engineering and STEM with university and industry leaders. The event, co-developed by UNSW, University of Sydney, University of Newcastle, University of Wollongong, Macquarie University, UTS, and Western Sydney University, brought together educators, industry professionals, students, and advocates to build a stronger, more diverse engineering sector. Thanks to co-panellists Don Moloney, Lucy Powell, and Suki Narayanan.

My presentation covered:

• What has worked & what needs change

• Opportunities to improve equity

• How universities can collaborate to strengthen schools & industry impact

• Better university partnerships to support and scale this work

Our 12-year journey at Plumpton High has boosted girls’ STEM engagement, leading to more students completing school and entering STEM courses. Key initiatives include:

Building teacher capacity to place female TAS teachers in STEM classes (‘you can’t be what you can’t see’)

Corporate mentoring with female STEM leaders

University Early Entry schemes for disadvantaged students

Investment in cutting-edge tech: CAD, robotics, laser cutters, CNC plasma, advanced design software

Accelerated HSC maths, completing Advanced Maths & Extension 2 by Year 11

Offering all Stage 6 STEM subjects with smaller class sizes

Industry partnerships like UBS providing access to female leaders

Wellbeing framework building confidence, resilience & grit

High Potential Gifted Education Clubs (Robotics, Forensic Science, CS, Engineering, Maths Extension)

Participation in Girls in Tech days, Day of AI, Orbi Space Initiative

Girls-only classes (e.g., Lady Tradies)

Projects encouraging creativity aligned with girls’ interests

Stage 5 Educational Pathways Program including engineering pathways

Thanks to Dr. Rita Henderson, Vaiju Deb, Dr. Bandita Mainali, Professors Anna Giacomini, Renae Ryan, Karen Whelan, Olivia Mirza, Madeleine Du Toit for organising this symposium, and to all academics, students, and experts driving women’s participation growth. Appreciation to Dr. Yemi Penn as MC.

Tim Lloyd, Principal

background

light