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Australian children's charity, the Smith Family, has launched a program to encourage careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) including refrigeration and air conditioning.

The iTrack online mentoring program encourages RAC professionals to be mentors for high school students in Years 9 to 11. Students are matched with a supportive adult (other than a teacher or parent) who volunteer to provide students with encouragement and advice and guidance about workplace, study and career opportunities.

Smith Family media advisor (QLD), Cathryn Mora, said mentoring is one of the most effective ways to support and engage disadvantaged young people who may lack role models, resources and networks needed to make informed decisions and maximise opportunities.

“All of the students in the program are passionate about a STEM career but come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are on scholarships which support their schooling expenses,” Mora said.

“None of them have a person in their life to guide their STEM career choice and are in desperate need of a mentor in science, technology, engineering, maths, agriculture and the environment."

A lack of interest by Australian students in STEM studies has led to a shortage in graduates to fill STEM related positions.

According to the findings of a University of Newcastle study participation in year 12 mathematics is still declining with science at its lowest point in 20 years.

Take into account the gender gap and the situation is even worse. The Office of the Chief Scientist released a report that found just 16 per cent of the 2.3 million STEM-qualified Australians are female.

It also found a significant pay gap between men and women in the sector that cannot be explained by women taking time out to have babies.

This is why it is crucial to support students with an interest in STEM careers while they are still in high school.

For more information, visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au/itrack.