Young Minds, Big Impact: Supporting the Future Makers Collaborative STEM Journey

At MCB Business Partners, we believe the most powerful change happens when young people are given confidence, connection, and clear pathways into the future.

That belief was on full display this week as the Illawarra Academy of STEM Excellence officially launched the Future Makers Collaborative STEM Journey — a milestone moment and the culmination of three years of partnership‑building across the Corrimal Community of Schools.

We’re proud to be involved as supporters and sponsors of this program, standing alongside an incredible ecosystem of educators, industry partners, and community leaders who are collectively reshaping what’s possible for students across the Illawarra.

A Collaborative Vision Comes to Life

Future Makers brings together:

• Corrimal High School
• Bellambi Public School
• Corrimal Public School
• Corrimal East Public School
• Tarrawanna Public School
• Towradgi Public School

The program’s first workshop set the tone for a year‑long, industry‑connected learning journey, culminating in the Innovate for Impact 2026 showcase.

From the outset, students were immersed in:

• Design thinking
• Renewable energy concepts
• Collaborative engineering challenges

Their task: to design climate‑friendly structures aligned to net‑zero priorities, linking STEM learning directly to real‑world challenges and future careers.

Learning by Doing: STEM in Action

A defining feature of the Future Makers journey is its emphasis on hands‑on, applied learning.

Students engaged with:

• The University of Wollongong Electricity Portfolio, embedding energy systems thinking
• Guided learning experiences from Helen Georgiou and Jon Roberts
• Net Z(ed) videos and learning packages developed by Duncan Burck and Professor Paul Dastoor
• Digital tools including TinkerCad, 3D modelling, and Minecraft Education to explore circuits, solar energy, and sustainable design

This blend of physical, digital, and creative learning allowed students to move seamlessly from theory to application — building not just knowledge, but confidence.

Visible Pathways, Real Role Models

One of the most powerful moments of the launch was hearing directly from industry and future‑focused leaders who are actively shaping Australia’s transition to a net‑zero economy.

Speakers included:

• Katherine Richards AM CSC, Chief Engineer at Engineers Australia
• Tania Jones, leader in clean technology and sustainability at Green Gravity
• Duncan Burck, CEO of MCB Business Partners and founder of Net Z(ed)

Duncan spoke with students about the future of work, net‑zero career pathways, and how initiatives like digital badging can provide tangible recognition of STEM‑enabled skills — helping young people translate learning into visible opportunities.

For students, seeing and hearing from people working in engineering, clean energy, and sustainability makes pathways real.

As the program’s guiding belief reminds us:

You can be what you can see.

Why We’re Proud to Support Future Makers

Future Makers is about far more than STEM content.

It’s about:

• Confidence — helping students believe they belong in technical and emerging industries
• Connection — linking primary and secondary students with industry, tertiary partners, and mentors
• Clarity — showing how today’s learning connects to tomorrow’s careers

With 20 Year 6 students, supported by four inspiring Year 9 female mentors, and backed by a strong network of teachers, industry, and tertiary partners, the program is building visible, local pathways into:

• Engineering
• Advanced manufacturing
• Renewable energy and clean technology

This is exactly the kind of ecosystem‑based, place‑driven work MCB Business Partners exists to support.

Powering the Next Generation Together

We extend our thanks to the Corrimal Community of Schools, BlueScope WIN Community Partners, the Australian Schools Plus Teaching Alumni network, and every educator, partner, and supporter who continues to invest time, expertise, and belief into this work.

Programs like Future Makers show what’s possible when:

• Schools collaborate rather than operate in isolation
• Industry steps forward early, not at the point of recruitment
• Young people are trusted with complex, meaningful challenges

We’re excited to continue supporting initiatives that help students see themselves not just as learners — but as future makers.

Because when young minds are supported by strong partnerships, the impact can be extraordinary.