Engineering pathways for regional Tasmanian students have expanded with the recent launch of a learning platform in Burnie, set to enhance regional educational and employment opportunities.
The Engineering Pathways for Regional Australia (EPRA) website allows students to enrol in an accredited associate degree course in civil, electrical, mechanical, mining or marine engineering.
EPRA Project Manager Peter Doe, of the University of Tasmania, said that the website will help even the playing field for regional Australians who wish to pursue a career in engineering.
“EPRA recognises that not all applicants have had the opportunity to complete high school, and presents subjects that match a student’s previous academic achievement and work experience,” Associate Professor Doe said.
“The website presents all permissible combinations of subjects that will allow students to enrol in an accredited associate degree course.
“Many of the subjects are available fully online or through a ‘blended learning’ combination of on-campus and distance education.”
Once enrolled through EPRA, students are guaranteed a pathway to engineering technologist or professional engineer status.
Employment in Australia in the professional, scientific and technical fields is expected to grow by 14.4% in the next five years and in order for regional Australians to share in the benefits of this growth, educational pathways must be expanded.
One of the challenges facing Tasmania's engineering workforce, as identified in Engineers Australia's recent Tasmanian Workforce Development Plan, is the limited available career pathways.
Engineering para-professionals are in high demand and this is expected to increase in the years to come.
Engineers Australia Tasmania General Manager Vicki Gardiner said that the University of Tasmania is very committed to developing ‘para-professionals’ while simultaneously increasing educational outcomes in non-metropolitan areas.
“While para-professionals and vocational associate engineers are in demand by many Tasmanian supply chains, there have been limited courses offered for prospective engineering para-professionals in Tasmania,” Dr Gardiner said.
“EPRA will help close this gap, expanding engineering pathways and improving educational outcomes in Tasmania, especially in regional and rural areas, and in Australia more broadly.
“Initiatives like EPRA are critical as Tasmania's economic future is heavily reliant on innovation, which only comes from a skilled workforce.”
The EPRA website was launched as the final stage of a Federal Government Office of Learning and Teaching funded project.
EPRA is led and managed by the University of Tasmania in partnership with the University of Southern Queensland, Deakin University, TasTAFE, TafeSA, and the Geraldton Universities Centre in Western Australia.
Visit the EPRA website for more information.
Image: Civil engineers inspecting a structure. iStock image.