Engineers Australia welcomes Queensland’s Supporting Women Scholarship program
Engineers Australia has welcomed the launch by Minister Langbroek of the Queensland Government’s Supporting Women Scholarships, which will provide assistance to as many as 500 women who study subjects in typically male-dominated industries.
“The Supporting Women scholarship program is a fantastic initiative that will improve the participation rates of women in engineering. Latest data show that women represent just 10.5 percent of the engineering labour force,” said Engineers Australia Queensland Division President, Steven Goh.
“Encouraging more women to join the engineering profession is of vital importance if Australia is to fulfil its ambitious nation-building agenda over the coming decade. Engineers Australia’s research shows that engineering skills shortages and scoping shortfalls have led to millions in cost over-runs and many more lost opportunities for infrastructure projects.
“Over the past six years, more than one in 20 engineering projects did not proceed due to problems recruiting and retaining suitably qualified engineers. Increasing the participation rate of women is a measure that will ensure the long-term success of Australia’s engineering profession.
“Engineers Australia has been working consistently to highlight the options that women have for pursuing rewarding careers in science, maths and engineering. We applaud this significant investment in attracting women to the engineering profession,” Mr Goh said.
