Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has strengthened its commitment to developing Western Australia’s future STEM workforce through a new partnership with STEM WA, supporting the organisation’s mission to equip students with industry‑ready skills and open pathways into Defence and the wider maritime sector.
STEM WA plays a vital role in building STEM capability across the state, working with schools including in regional communities to deliver hands‑on programs, competitions and industry engagement opportunities. Its focus is on ensuring students gain the knowledge, confidence and exposure needed to make informed decisions about careers in STEM.
Through the partnership, Babcock will support STEM WA’s growing network of schools and help expand access to programs that reduce barriers to participation, promote awareness of STEM careers, and connect students directly with industry role models.
This year, STEM WA delivered two major competitions, including the inaugural STEM WA South West Championship for Mini ROV, held at the Busselton Youth and Community Activities Building, the first time the organisation has hosted an event in the South West.
The mini ROV competition brought together 45 students in 15 teams from five schools: Newton Moore SHS, Bunbury Catholic College, Bunbury Baptist College, St Mary MacKillop College and Rockingham SHS.
The flagship 2025 STEM WA Oceania Championships on Garden Island saw more than 240 students from 15 schools showcase their innovation, teamwork and technical skill in a unique Defence‑industry environment.
“Students getting the opportunity to interact with industry and to work in teams reflecting project teams they could encounter in their careers.”
STEM WA Chairman Rod Brown said the partnership with Babcock will help students better understand the breadth of opportunities available in the maritime and Defence sectors.
“Babcock is a major industry provider to the maritime industry including defence who will be able to provide industry role models that will provide students a variety of career pathways that people have taken in the maritime and defence industry. The experience that Babcock will bring to the STEM WA programs will support STEM WA achieving its outcomes, particularly assisting students to explore their innovative design ideas. Potentially introducing a student to their future employer!”
Babcock’s involvement will included participation in judging panels, career‑focused engagement with students, and support for STEM WA’s mission to expand access to programs across metropolitan and regional WA.
As a strategic partner to Defence in Western Australia, Babcock is committed to supporting initiatives that build local capability, strengthen industry pathways and inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators.
The partnership with STEM WA reinforces Babcock’s long‑term investment in WA’s workforce and its dedication to supporting the communities where its people live and work.
