CoRE Pilbara Academy Regional Pilot Secures Support from Curtin University Trailblazer Programme

Featured (left to right) - Michelle Walker: Principal of Tom Price Senior High School, Harlene Hayne: Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University, Suzy Urbaniak: CoRE Lead and Co-founder of CoRE Learning Foundation, and Andy Hart: Business Development Manager of Commercialisation and Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer

The Centre of Resource Education (CoRE) Learning Foundation is excited to announce that it has secured funding through the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer (Trailblazer) Programme, supported by the Commonwealth Government. This funding will enable the delivery of the CoRE Pilbara Academy Regional Pilot in Tom Price, bringing real-world STEM education to students in the region.

CoRE Learning Model - A Proven Success

Developed over 20 years by Suzy Urbaniak OAM, the CoRE Learning Model offers an integrated STEM education programme that draws on real-world experience from the resources sector. By aligning education with industry needs, CoRE has helped hundreds of students become job-ready STEM graduates across Western Australia. This new initiative further expands the programme's reach, specifically focusing on students in years 11 and 12 at Tom Price Senior High School.

Trailblazer Programme to Support Pilbara STEM Education

The Trailblazer programme, led by Curtin University with support from the Commonwealth Government's Trailblazer Universities Programme, will provide funding to support the implementation of the CoRE Pilbara Academy Regional Pilot. The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer is a collaborative effort between Curtin University, The University of Queensland, and James Cook University, with backing from the Department of Education and industry partners.

Engaging Students and Industry Through the CoRE Pilbara Academy

The Pilot Programme will unite CoRE, Curtin University, Tom Price Senior High School, and the resources industry to support a comprehensive learning journey from primary school through to university, VET, TAFE, and employment. As part of the programme, CoRE will:

• Launch the CoRE Academy Regional Pilot. Catering to students in year 11 and 12, the Pilot will engage both students and resource industry partners to increase STEM learning opportunities in the Pilbara.
• Incorporate the resources sector in Project-Based Learning (PBLs) activities, including field trips and various events to foster awareness about industry and possible careers.
• Align the CoRE Graduate Mentoring Programme to offer mentor sessions for CoRE business units from the Curtin Entrepreneurship team.

A Significant Milestone for Innovative STEM Learning

Featured (left to right): Christian Price - CoRE Board Chair and Co-founder, Harlene Hayne: Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University

The CoRE Pilbara Academy aligns with our mission to transform education through progressive and real-world learning methods to expand STEM career opportunities for Pilbara students. This approach addresses the evolving needs of industries by cultivating a skilled, innovative workforce.

Co-Founder and CoRE Lead Suzy Urbaniak OAM described the Pilbara CoRE Academy Pilot Programme as a major milestone for the CoRE Learning Foundation. "It's fantastic that Pilbara students will have more STEM pathways with strong links to the resource sector, which is so important to the region."

If your company would like to be part of this exciting new journey in the Pilbara, please contact our Executive Partnerships Officer, Jacobi Herringer, at jacobi@corefoundation.com.au. By joining us and Curtin University's Trailblazer Programme, you can support the growth and sustainability of a transformational educational model that equips students with cutting-edge STEM skills preparing them for the future Australian resources industry workforce.