2016 has been a difficult year in many respects for all aspects of engineering as we transition from boom to normal, with:
- People being transferred or made redundant across many organisations;
- Small firms shifting their workforces from permanent to contract employees; and
- Contractors in a more competitive tendering environment.
However, through all of this, there are opportunities for those who are flexible and open-minded to what is possible, in terms of innovation and better ways of doing business.
I look forward to see how we handle this as a profession as a precursor of things to come given that it is estimated that over 50% of jobs we know today will not exist in 15 years’ time.
As my time as WA President comes to an end, and as the Division Committee prepares for 2017, it gives an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of 2016.
Round table
In our universities, there has been a growing concern that students are now facing difficulties, due to the current industry climate in achieving their 12-week practicum as part of their course. We held a round table discussion with education and industry that generated a robust debate. A further question that will be brought to the table in 2017 is – are our graduates ready for their career?
Regions
We have placed a focus on reinvigorating our regional groups. There is continuing momentum in the south west and great southern but groups in the north have struggled to retain sufficient numbers to sustain activities over the past few years. I was in Karratha in November to visit regional members based there. Karratha has changed in the few years since I last visited including a change in the “engineer” demographic. More now reside permanently in the area and are bringing up their families there. We are confident from meeting a number of enthusiastic members that a group is on its way to being re-established next year.
Infrastructure
Engineers Australia have always been involved in the infrastructure debate and have been doing our Infrastructure Report Cards for as long as I can remember. With the events in Victoria following the last State election, infrastructure and infrastructure planning is increasingly an area of focus for Engineers Australia. In WA, Engineers Australia is a founding member of the WA Infrastructure Coalition and has worked collaboratively with other industry bodies to promote and facilitate the creation of an independent statutory authority “Infrastructure WA”. Projects need to be planned on a longer horizon and certainly longer than a standard 3-year election cycle.
Election Strategy
As we transition to a more outwardly-focussed organisation we have been looking at what our “key asks” are from Government. More information will be available during the run up to the State Election in March next year. Our key policy positions, which are:
- National Engineering Registration
- Energy
- Infrastructure
- STEM Futures
- Chief Engineer.
I would like to thank the 2016 Division Committee for their efforts throughout the year and welcome the 2017 WA President, James Westcott FIEAust CPEng NER.
Jason Flowerdew MIEAust
2016 President Western Australia