Volunteers are imperative for the smooth running of all not-for-profit organisations and Engineers Australia is no exception. We see our volunteers as an essential part of our organisation. Without their skills, passion, personal qualities and gracious professionalism, we couldn’t deliver the range of projects and activities that we do.
Currently we have more than 2500 volunteers who act as ambassadors for Engineers Australia and for the profession, contributing their time in various ways, including:
- Supporting the profession by engaging with industry, government, academia, media and the wider community.
- Providing subject matter expertise to specific projects as required.
- Serving on volunteer committees and college boards.
- Inspiring the next generation of engineers by promoting engineering as a career to students and young engineers.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion in the profession.
- Working with our team of professionals to develop and deliver continuing professional development and networking events.
Why volunteer?
Australia is facing an engineering skills shortage so the involvement of our volunteers in promoting the profession to young people and to the wider community fulfills an important part of our STEM strategy.
As engineers, we understand the transformative impact that engineering has on society and in our communities. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to convey your understanding of the importance of great engineering and create a real impact on others.
Helping others by volunteering is also a great way to develop your own skills, knowledge and experience. When you volunteer with Engineers Australia you’ll experience our vibrant and diverse volunteer community and work with Engineers Australia staff on our common goal to amplify engineering.
It’s easy to get involved, so start giving back today.
Before you get started, download a copy of the office bearer handbook. It'll help you understand more about the work of Engineers Australia and your role in supporting and promoting the profession of engineering in your volunteer work.
Essential reading for volunteers
Volunteering for Engineers Australia means that you become an office bearer and must abide by specific guidelines.
In addition to the Office Bearer Handbook, other documents you should read are linked below:
- Royal Charter and By-Laws
- General Regulations – including the Officer Bearer Code of Conduct
- Code of Ethics
- Spokespersons policy
- Conflict of interest policy
- Travel management instruction
- Privacy policy
Links to all member policies and procedures are stored in the professional standards library.
Volunteering in schools toolkit
To help you deliver optimal presentations in school settings, we’ve developed a toolkit of resources to save you time and ensure your message is age appropriate. There are dedicated resources for both primary and high school age students as well as resources for teachers. You can find the primary school and high school toolkits in our publications library.
These materials will also help you with your volunteer efforts:
- Working with teachers on STEM projects – an engineer’s guide
- Engineering in the Australian curriculum
For other ideas and resources visit the study engineering page.
If you volunteer on an Engineers Australia branch, committee or college board, you’ll need to attend an induction session or watch the online version. You can also download the slides from the induction session held in March 2022.
Contact us to learn more about volunteering and how you can channel your passion for engineering by shaping the future of the profession.