Fortescue: Building Future Workforce with STEM Education

Fortescue is investing in its local community and empowering the workforce of the future with its Grants Programmes. 

The company is supporting Pilbara based community members to innovate and embrace sustainable initiatives, events and programmes in order to give back to the region and its people.

Through these grants, it is helping provide people with new opportunities and is uplifting future workforces through building confidence and education. 

A history of empowerment

Fortescue is a global green technology, energy and metals company that is working towards decarbonisation across the mining industry. The company is driven by a range of values that include; empowerment, integrity, courage, humility and generating ideas.

It was forged in the Pilbara, with its flagship minesite, Cloudbreak, opening in 2003. Now, its two Pilbara mining hubs are connected by 760km of rail. As a company, Fortescue is empowered to become the best, to be a leader in sustainable mining and replace fossil fuels forever. 

Part of this also includes its dedication to giving back; to the planet and the people surrounding its mines. Its innovations are being used across its mines and it is now selling these innovations to other organisations. Its presence is growing, as is its global impact. 

Its sustainability initiatives also prioritise people in and around the business, protecting First Nations heritage, as well as creating economic opportunities, through mentoring, local procurement, business development and employment. Its Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) has been creating career pathways for First Nations people for more than 16 years. The company's dedication to developing a supportive environment to nurture the workforce of the future can be seen in its latest Grants Programme. 

New opportunities

Fortescue's Grants Programmes are providing practical learning opportunities to students across the Pilbara. Through this system, the company is empowering young people in their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) journey, while also developing its workforce of the future.

At South Hedland Primary School, a grant provided by Fortescue is engaging students in STEM in practical ways. With the help of new funding, the school has developed a STEM programme which is bringing real-world challenges to the classroom in engaging and accessible ways, with a specific focus on education and the community.

New resources, including scientific equipment, renewable energy kits and environmental testing tools, have been purchased with the funding, in order to make the learning more interactive. 

“In the Pilbara, education and opportunity go hand in hand. By supporting programs like this at South Hedland Primary School, we’re helping young people build the skills, confidence and curiosity they need to thrive in a changing world," says Rosli Wheelock, Fortescue’s Director Approvals, Communities and Services.

“Hands-on STEM learning connects students to real challenges in their own community and shows them that innovation, problem-solving and future pathways have a place right here in the Pilbara.”

Sustainable operations

Much of the learning which is being undertaken by the students includes key focuses within Fortescue's operations and topics that life in the Pilbara consist of, including renewable energy and climate science. Through this inquiry-based learning and using real-life tools, students are developing problem-solving skills while gaining an understanding of how STEM is used within their community. 

Fortescue recently purchased two new battery electric locomotives across its Pilbara rail network. This is set to remove approximately one million litres of diesel every year. Moreover, the company is building an integrated system that combines large-scale wind and solar generation, battery storage and transmission infrastructure. 

Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals and Operations Chief Executive Officer says: “Through Pilbara Energy Connect, we’ve already constructed more than 480 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines, physically linking our energy assets to our operations and rail network. This infrastructure enables renewable power to replace diesel and gas, in real time, across the Pilbara.”

This dedication to decarbonisation is now being understood by students across the region which these changes actively impact. Through learning about decarbonisation strategies and sustainable operations, the young people are gaining key insights into environmental impacts.

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable procurement leaders should attend:

• Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Sustainability LIVE, these events brings together CPOs, CSCO, CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

A resilient future workforce

The programme is encouraging the students to test ideas, question everything and work together on solutions. Through this, they are building technical skills and, more importantly, the confidence to innovate. As a result, students who previously did not view STEM as a pathway for them have discovered new and exciting opportunities.

“Fortescue’s support has allowed us to expand STEM learning beyond the classroom through the establishment of an after-school STEM Club. Students are enthusiastic, curious and thriving as they explore STEM in a hands-on way," says Lee Pereira, South Hedland Primary School Principal.

“Early exposure to STEM is critical in building the skills and curiosity students need for future learning and careers. Programs like this help lay strong foundations for innovation and future STEM pathways.”

Moreover, this learning has helped encourage students to make meaningful changes at home, including recycling and reducing energy use. As a result, students are seeing the connection between what they learn and how STEM is shaping the future of Pilbara. 

Through this, they are empowered to go into an industry of sustainable operations, like Fortescue. Through its donations and programmes, Fortescue is building a resilient future workforce that can make a positive impact across the Pilbara.