STEM Pathways opens doors for the next generation of young women

Professional services company GHD last night marked the 10th year of STEM Pathways, an immersive work experience program for female Year 10 students that gives participants first-hand exposure to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The anniversary event at GHD’s Melbourne office brought together past participants and industry partners like the Victorian School Building Authority and Lendlease, to consider how practical experience and visible role models can help more young women see a future for themselves in STEM.

The milestone comes as the Australian Government’s STEM Equity Monitor Data Report 2026 shows a persistent gender gap in young people’s engagement with engineering. The report found 30 per cent of girls surveyed in 2025-26 were interested in engineering, compared with 60 per cent of boys. Furthermore, girls' confidence in engineering slips from 41 percent at age 12-13 to 30 percent at age 14-17.

Monica George, Regional PMO Leader and STEM Pathways Program Manager says the program  seeks to address this gap by reaching girls at an important point in their education. “Through project-based learning, workplace experience, mentoring, workshops and site visits, participants work alongside engineers, scientists, planners, architects and other professionals. This gives students an opportunity to test their interests, understand how STEM is applied to real problems and discover careers they may not have encountered at school.

Since 2017, more than 200 students have participated in STEM Pathways, supported by more than 20 schools and 40 industry organisations. Created in Melbourne, the program has expanded to Geelong, Wodonga, Traralgon, Canberra and Darwin, and GHD has supported other organisations to deliver their own versions.

The next phase of the program will continue to depend on schools, employers and industry professionals creating practical opportunities for students. By opening workplaces, sharing career stories and providing mentoring, organisations can help young women make informed choices before they rule out STEM pathways they have not yet had the chance to experience.

Dean McIntyre, Executive General Manager – Australia, said “I have seen STEM Pathways grow from a small program in Melbourne into an experience that has reached students across several communities and encouraged other organisations to create opportunities of their own. Young women should have the opportunity to see where a STEM career could take them before they make decisions about their future. Over the past 10 years, STEM Pathways has shown the value of schools and industry working together to make those careers more visible and accessible. The opportunity for the next decade is to extend that experience to more young women and help build a broader, stronger future STEM workforce.

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.