Students at a Traralgon primary school will learn more about the industry that has shaped their region as AGL presents a new energy education program for girls.

AGL is partnering with the Girl Geek Academy to bring the free full day AGL Girls in Energy program to Liddiard Road Primary School, Traralgon on Thursday.

The program will be held in term 4 at other primary schools around AGL assets in regional locations, and also at metropolitan locations, in Victoria and NSW.

It aims to teach girls in grades 4 to 6 about energy in a dynamic and engaging way, encourage them to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and improve the gender balance in energy.

“We are excited to trial a fun and practical program that enriches the lives of the next generation of women,” said AGL Head of Brand Yasmina Pinto.

“Connecting with girls at primary school allows us to support them to take an interest in energy from an early age – through high school, then university and into their early careers.”

The AGL Girls in Energy program explores basic energy theory, involves practical experiments, links directly with the national Australian curriculum, and includes regular breaks and lunch.

Trial programs, including workshops for families of AGL employees, were held in June and July at AGL offices in Sydney and Melbourne, but this is the first time the AGL Girls in Energy program is being held in areas around AGL’s assets, such as the Loy Yang power station and mine in Traralgon.

“I’m thrilled to know that a course like this is being used to spread the word about energy in a region where it plays such an important role,” said AGL Loy Yang General Manager Nigel Browne.

The program is delivered by Sarah Moran, CEO and founder of the Girl Geek Academy, who said: “A key approach to engaging and motivating students to study STEM subjects and pursue careers in STEM is to foster relationships with industry.

“We are excited to be working with AGL to support schools across Australia in their effort to increase the number of girls in STEM, as recommended in the Federal Government’s Girls in STEM toolkit. And the best part is, girls love it.”