November 6, 2025
September and October saw Gateway LLEN deliver a powerhouse lineup of engineering-focused programs designed to immerse secondary students in real-world STEM applications.
From deep-dives into renewable energy to tunnelling tours and mentoring by industry leaders, more than 130 students from Manningham, Monash, and Whitehorse took part in programs focused on shaping the careers of tomorrow.
Engineering Tomorrow Program with Port of Melbourne
In an exciting pilot for Victorian schools, Gateway LLEN partnered with the Port of Melbourne to deliver the Engineering Tomorrow virtual incursion.
The U.S-born program, developed in collaboration with NASA, Vena Energy, and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), has been adapted for Australian classrooms and is delivered entirely online.
Students in Years 9 and 10 from Ashwood High School, East Doncaster Secondary College, Koonung Secondary College, Marcellin College, PLC and Templestowe College explored hands-on STEM challenges exploring sustainable transportation of the future, and applying engineering thinking to plug-in and electric vehicles.
With real-time support provided online, students engaged in practical lab-style learning, as well as a skills session on renewable energy building solar and wind systems, reinforcing the relevance of their maths and science studies and opening their eyes to engineering pathways.
Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) & Laing O’Rourke Work Experience Week
Five students from across the Gateway LLEN region participated in a dynamic 5-day work experience program hosted by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) in partnership with Laing O’Rourke.
Across the week, students:
- Met engineering and construction professionals
- Explored tunnel boring machines, emergency support facilities, and station fit-outs
- Took part in mock pre-start briefings, sustainability challenges, and planning simulations
- Visited the Victorian Tunnelling Centre (VTC) for hands-on experiences with heavy machinery and underground utilities
A key highlight was the “Day in the Life” session with young professionals, providing students with career stories and international perspectives – including insights into major infrastructure like the Doha Metro.
Engineering Her Future with Alstom & YTP
In partnership with Alstom and the Young Transport Professionals (YTP), Gateway facilitated the Engineering Her Future program – a week-long experience supporting young women to explore technical careers.
Held across both city and site locations, six participants from Avila College and South Oakleigh College:
- Shadowed mentors from Alstom and worked on group projects
- Developed presentation skills and toured engineering facilities
- Engaged in workshops around site safety, design thinking, and sustainability
- Networked with female graduates and industry leaders
With a strong emphasis on empowering young women, the initiative tackled the gender imbalance in STEM head-on, and offered meaningful connection to female role models in engineering.
Suburban Connect Work Experience Program
Gateway was also pleased to support a work experience program with Suburban Connect, introducing 10 students from the region to tunnelling, civil, geotechnical, and sustainability engineering in action.
Held across the Victorian Tunnelling Centre and Suburban Connect’s Clayton offices, students:
- Participated in simulated activities such as excavator buckets and virtual firefighting
- Explored communication under pressure and safety-at-heights training
- Gained exposure to augmented reality tools used in modern tunnelling
- Heard firsthand accounts from Tunnel Boring Machine operators
By week’s end, students from Avila College, Emmaus College, Glen Waverley Secondary College and South Oakleigh College had stronger confidence in their place in the future workforce.
Wrapping up
From remote learning lab-skills to underground engineering simulations, Gateway’s October suite of engineering experiences offered something for every kind of learner.
With the support of industry partners such as the Port of Melbourne, Suburban Rail Loop Authority, Alstom, and Suburban Connect, students were given a front-row seat to the future of infrastructure, energy, and innovation in Australia.
As always, Gateway was pleased to act as a bridge between education and industry, creating new and exciting opportunities for the students in our region.