Over 220 NSW Regional School Students, Parents and Teachers learn about engineering career opportunities.
“Discover Engineering” evening seminars hosted by the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers Groups of Newcastle Division in June at Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Grafton and Alstonville were very well attended with over 220 students, parents and teachers participating. Newcastle Division President, Dr Ron Banerjee, said, “Many school students are not aware of the exciting opportunities engineering careers offer in providing and maintaining the infrastructure needed by our community. The Discover Engineering seminars provide an opportunity to learn about engineering careers and how students can enter the engineering profession.”
“Discover Engineering” seminars feature 10 minute presentations by engineers of varying experience and disciplines about their careers and why they chose engineering, as well as presentations from regional universities about study options. A particular emphasis in the presentations is there are various pathways into an engineering career in addition to the traditional four year full time degree. Students, teachers and parents are also given an opportunity to question the presenters in a panel session, as well as hold more informal discussions over refreshments. Great interest was shown in the scholarships and cadetships being offered by Essential Energy, Roads and Maritime Services and The Australian Power Institute.
University of New England and University of Southern Queensland, which have offered engineering studies to regional NSW students, were joined for the first time at the 2012 Discover Engineering seminars by Southern Cross University at Lismore, which is starting its Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) degree in 2013. All three Universities reported a very high level of interest in their engineering courses from seminar participants.
Engineers Australia thanks the 2012 sponsors: Aurecon, Alliance Power and Data, Ampcontrol and GHD and the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast Committee for their assistance in organising these Discover Engineering seminars.
