School is back up and running, students are settling into their scholarly surroundings, and it got me thinking about the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in our education system. And the budding scholastic season also reminded me of my springtime tour of the Grand Erie District School Board’s Innovation Hub. Or more precisely the Innovation Hub @ Grand Erie.
I was really impressed with the Innovation Hub. It commenced operation in November 2024 featuring as they put it “hands on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).” Within that framework, the fantastic instructors educate and encourage creativity while building critical skills in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
The environment really captures the imaginations of the students and brings out their curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject matter. They aren’t just sitting at desks, which has its place, but in this place, they are up and moving and exploring the projects in front of them. I wish I had this opportunity when I was in school. Of course, since I was in school, the world has undergone a sea change. With technology, students will be faced with completely different employment opportunities than previous generations. It’s my belief participation in the Innovation Hub will help position students for success.
Career success today often includes training in a STEM field. Don’t get me wrong, there is also massive demand for skilled tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, welders, carpenters etc., but today I’ll focus on STEM.
Poking around the Web, I found an interesting paragraph from the website of Ontario’s Universities. It’s a couple of years old but remains applicable as ever, “Ontario is already seeing increasing levels of demand amongst certain STEM and non-STEM occupations that typically require a university degree, such as engineers, computer programmers and health-care professionals. Demand for these jobs will only increase. (The) number of job openings Ontario is projecting within STEM from now until 2030 that will require a university education (includes) 44,589 engineers; 56,786 computer programmers, software engineers and designers; and 34,000 managers in STEM.”
The Ontario government also recognizes the importance of preparing students for careers in STEM-centred employment. Last April, the government announced a $750 million investment to support STEM programs at Ontario universities and colleges. The funding was designed to create as many as 20,500 STEM spots per year. I agree with the funding and their assertion that it’s crucial we have a multitude of talented people educated right here in Ontario who will lead us toward a highly competitive future of prosperity and growth.
This being Haldimand-Norfolk, I should point out that a STEM graduate doesn’t necessarily have to leave a rural area and its inherent agricultural focus. There are many burgeoning STEM applications for agriculture. Science and technology is empowering precision farming, enhancing crop quality, improving resource use, and creating sustainable food production methods. Technology can be used for pest control, disease management, data analytics for maximizing yield, even genetic engineering for enhanced nutrition, and indoor vertical farming. Essentially, the future of farming seems to be pointing toward it becoming an often tech-driven industry.
We literally walk through our fields and see thousands of stems on plants, well, increasingly we will figuratively walk through our fields and see STEM. If you’ll pardon the pun.
In conclusion, between educational initiatives like Grand Erie District School Board’s Innovation Hub and continued STEM-targeted funding by the province, I think we are giving students a real opportunity to thrive in this ever-changing employment environment.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk