Background Information

Government has observed a concerning skills shortage development in Australia over the last decade. Many other nations including the USA are suffering the same fate. It is said that Trade, Technical and Science Careers have lost their appeal and have waned to a perceived easy going lucrative business market. A Country's wealth, which is significant in the standard of living, is derived by either, natural resources, value adding production or intellectual property.

The issue is obvious. Unless trade, technical and science industries increase, Australia will suffer. These disciplines have developed elusively to the greater community knowledge. So much so, that little, if any, understanding is given to the array of the exciting processes or machinery and techniques that produce modern day products.

Development

Skills shortage is a national issue and solutions are sought from both government and private entities. Initiatives have been implemented to boost popularity of these employment opportunities and counteract this concern.

In July 2002, and in preparation for the ASA, Nybro Holdings Pty Ltd commissioned the MRV project, by registering an R&D Project plan with AusIndustry and the ATO. Partial Funding was also sought from the Queensland Industry Development Scheme which was later granted by State Development.

In 2004, Queensland Education implemented an action plan termed 'Spot Light on Science'. The focus was to improve scientific literacy, careers and education. However the trade and technology area is constantly searching for ways to establish connections between students and modern day industry careers.

In August 2006 the Australian Space Agency was commissioned and is the identity facilitating this presentation. The MRV Science & Technology Presentation is now the flagship of the agency's educational program.

Research

Careful consideration and study was undertaken in designing this program, using the Years 1 to 10 Science Syllabus and Source Books with direct recommendations given by qualified educators.

Direct public consultation and participation, including many parents, students and teachers, was undertaken to obtain accurate feedback. The study was conducted over four weeks in total on the Sunshine Coast. Two weeks were at the Cartwright Centre at Kawana and two at the Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore, with a complete setup and operation attracting thousands of people.

Further and final studies were completed in October 2005 and June 2006, when a four day trial of the programme was presented to Years 1 to 7 students and teachers at the Buderim Mountain Primary School and Kuluin State Primary School.