This term marked the conclusion of the Geelong Manufacturing Council’s first GLAM (Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing) program in Bendigo, recognising the 22 amazing young women who have spent this year exploring careers and pathways in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and STEM trades.

Through interactive workshops, tours, and industry mentoring, these local students have discovered not just what’s possible in STEM, but what’s possible for themselves.

Emceed by Eliza (Bendigo South East College), the graduation was a true celebration of growth and achievement, with families, mentors, and industry partners proudly watching as the students reflected on and showcased the creativity, confidence, and collaboration they had built during the program.

A highlight of the ceremony was an inspiring panel discussion moderated by students Abby (Weeroona College Bendigo) and Izzy (Bendigo South East College), featuring Tania Strixner-Harvey (Coliban Water), Kirsten Lee (Beon Energy Solutions) and Ruby Gordon (FOODMACH), who shared their stories of grit, curiosity and leadership.

A huge thank you to the Geelong Manufacturing Council, Seed2STEM Project Coordinator Sharon Hebbard, Bendigo Tech School Head of Programs Ember Chittenden, and our fantastic industry partners (Australian Foundry Institute, Hofmann Engineering Pty Ltd, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Central Victorian Soil Testing, Bendigo Health, Coliban Water, CitiPower and Powercor, BUGBOX and Kate Kroeger from The Confidence Company) for supporting the program.

These young women are the future of STEM – bold, capable, and ready to lead. We can’t wait to see what they do next.

Bendigo Tech School is a proud supporter of GLAM, an initiative of the Geelong Manufacturing Council's Seed2STEM Bendigo program.

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