Empowering future STEM leaders: GHD Darwin launches 2025 Pathways Program for Northern Territory students
Women and young people remain under-represented in STEM careers across Australia, despite the critical role these fields play in solving today’s biggest challenges. Diversity in STEM is essential to building an innovative, inclusive workforce that reflects communities.
Against this backdrop, we launched the 2025 STEM Pathways Program in Darwin. Six Northern Territory students took part in a week-long immersive experience showcasing exciting STEM careers.
Inside GHD’s STEM Pathways Program in Darwin: A week of hands-on learning and discovery
The week was packed with engaging, hands-on activities and real-world experiences:
- The program began with icebreakers, an HSE briefing, and an inspiring session on authenticity in the workplace, followed by a fauna survey using ultrasonic bat call detection.
- Students explored sustainable water systems and humanitarian engineering, joining a field excursion with NT Government and Power and Water Corporation’s Remote Water Team to see how engineering impacts communities.
- Midweek, students toured Channel Island Power Station and the Darwin Aquaculture Centre, and participated in a design workshop with our Architecture and Design team, including VR aquaponics.
- Students explored dams, traffic and transport engineering, and joined the launch of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan. They participated in a Minerals Council of Australia workshop and networked with our Young Professionals while touring the Australian Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment.
- The program concluded with visits to East Arm Wharf and the Marine Supply Base with ASCO Group, exploring large-scale infrastructure supporting trade and logistics. Back at the office, students experienced VR design, tackled a teamwork challenge and celebrated their achievements with certificates.
Building community partnerships and industry connections through the STEM Pathways Program
Delivered in partnership with Power and Water Corporation NT, Territory Generation, Defence, Darwin Port, ASCO Group, NT Government, Darwin Aquaculture Centre, CareerTrackers, and the Minerals Council of Australia, the initiative reflects our commitment to supporting young Territorians and building a more diverse future workforce.
Clients have already recognised the program. During a recent feedback session with the Department of Mines and Energy, the client highlighted the STEM Pathways Program, noting that our visible commitment to community engagement strengthens relationships and reinforces our role as a trusted partner.
Inspiring the next generation of Northern Territory STEM leaders
Building on this year’s success, we will continue to work with clients, industry and schools to expand the STEM Pathways Program and create opportunities that inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers in the Northern Territory.
Read more about how we’re breaking down gender barriers and creating opportunities in STEM: Breaking down gender barriers – STEM Pathways Program.
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About GHD
GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 165 offices located on five continents.