Ferm backs STEM programs

Ferm Engineering continues to contribute to educational initiatives that encourage more students to study engineering, in particular fire engineering.

CEO Steve Burton says supporting school-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs may lead to more fire engineers graduating from universities. He is also keen to attract more women to the profession.

In early March, Steve joined a panel of engineers at a QUT STEM event for about 200 students in years 11 and 12. He and fellow panelists spoke with students about their study expectations and explained the benefits of studying fire safety as a career.

Steve also presented a guest lecture in late March to QUT students, including those studying architecture and project management, about fire safety systems, fire hazard management, the National Construction Code and construction legislative requirements.

It was the fourth consecutive year Steve has been asked by QUT’s School of Architecture and Built Environment to present a series of building services lectures.

Committing time and energy to lecturing is another step in Steve’s initiative to give back to the industry by encouraging more students to become qualified fire engineers.