Article by Tim De Grauw FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER, Engineers Australia Newcastle President.
The engineering industry is rapidly changing from the ‘boom’ infrastructure period to the creation of new job types for the future careers of tomorrow.
It was pleasing to see our ‘Future Innovators’ recently graduate from the University of Newcastle. The works done as part of their studies have a major role in creating concepts for future careers. There are some amazing practical industry PHD projects being developed by these new graduates. The region may soon benefit from projects such as “A Screening Method for Rural Flash Flooding Risk Assessment”, “Modelling the Pumping Characterises of Power Station Ash in a Dense Phase Hydraulic Conveying System” and “Balancing Distributor and Customer Benefits of Battery Storages Co-Located with Solar PV”.
The development of new industries is now supported by government funding. This approach demands innovation via academic and industry involvement. Engineers Australia is eager to see these partnerships develop to the next level for the betterment of the engineering profession. It is a blend of a team that leads to success.
When you look at successful international companies exporting technical products they have strong working relationships with their local academic institutions leading to product development and global commercialisation. Australia has for a long time allowed its innovations to be commercialised overseas, and it is time this changes for the benefit of the community.
This new approach to funding projects is leading to new start-up companies and initiatives as part of innovation clusters. The Newcastle region does not lack in opportunities for those who are interested in joining the innovation clusters. I encourage you to explore and attend the following initiatives:
- Technical events hosted by Engineers Australia Young Engineer Newcastle and supporting disciplines.
- CSIRO Energy Centre Innovators Lunch series where you can network with a wide range of people to explore potential opportunities and actually stand on a box (not a soap box) to express your ideas and opportunities for collaboration -
- National Engineering Research & Design Centre (NERDCentre) in combination with the Future Leaders program of the HunterNet based in Newcastle CBD.
At the night of celebrating their achievements, the new graduates did not waste any time engaging with Engineers Australia and industry representatives. Engineers Australia feels very confident that future innovation is being well served in the hands of tomorrow’s engineers.
Photo (Top): Tim de Grauw at Newcastle University Graduation ceremony with our Future Innovators, Mr Paul Jeans Chancellor and Professor Brett Ninness Pro-Vice Chancellor.