In a media release on 18 July 2016, Stephen Durkin FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER APEC Engineer, Engineers Australia’s Chief Executive Officer said “the Prime Minister has made innovation—including having a far stronger focus on encouraging more young Australians to study STEM subjects—one of his signature policies, releasing a new National Innovation and Science Agenda in December last year.”
“Now the Government has been returned, tangible progress is needed in what is a vitally important policy area, notably for a fast-growing services sector, such as the engineering profession. The more students who study Science Technology Engineering and Maths [STEM] subjects, the more employment opportunities there will be for them as the Australian economy continues to transition” said Mr Durkin.
In the drive to encourage more students to continue studying STEM subjects, Engineers Australia is hosting the Interactive Engineering Zone at the upcoming Skills West Expo being held 12 to 14 August at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre.
“The Expo is Western Australia’s biggest careers and employment information forum and so we believe it is vital that engineering has a strong presence” said Engineers Australia General Manager WA Susan Kreemer Pickford FIEAust. “Engineers are involved in the research, design, production, operation and maintenance of many things that we take for granted in our everyday lives”.
Liza Harvey MLA, Deputy Premier; Minister for Police; Road Safety; Training and Workforce Development and Women’s Interests said "the Skills West Expo is Western Australia’s premier event that showcases an array of training opportunities and career pathways available. It brings together a host of training providers and educational institutions, as well as some of the State’s leading employers, providing a direct link for visitors in the one location.”
The Interactive Engineering Zone will feature a number of activities over the three days to encourage visitors to indulge in creative problem solving which is core to achieving engineering successes.
Engineers Australia has invited three passionate engineers to share their stories with those studying, graduating or simply interested in the world of engineering. The following talks will take place at 11am on the Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August respectively:
- Engineering – a doorway to the World by WA Young Professional Engineer of the Year, Ryan Eales MIEAust from Calibre Global
- Engineering – and its endless bounties by Allison Selman, FIEAust CPEng NER from Atteris Pty Ltd
- Humanitarian Engineering: what does that mean? by Sheena Ong, President of Engineers Without Borders WA, from Perdaman Advanced Energy
All are welcome to attend the Skills West Expo - visit www.skillswestexpo.com.au for more information and free registration.