Message by Tim De Grauw FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER RPEQ, Engineers Australia Newcastle President 2016.
In my last President’s Message for 2016, I would like to celebrate the very successful ‘Tomorrow’s Engineers’ program we have launched in Newcastle. Our Education Sub-Committee has been leading the charge with this Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative which is now being considered to be adopted nationally.
Tomorrow’s Engineers takes into account the early engagement of the ‘junior engineer’ so that our children can experience the enjoyment of STEM subjects being practically applied to careers in engineering. Applied practical learning is the key to engagement and successful outcomes.
A TAFE or university interactive event with an electric bike or Formula 1 car can have an enormous impact to open their eyes about the wonderful opportunities that a career in engineering can offer and the fun they can have along the way. I had a recent experience where a Year 8 girl passionate about science who had exposure to a Formula 1 car and felt that Mechanical engineering was the career for her within a day!
Tomorrow's Engineers Teacher Development Workshops, to date, have proven to be very popular among teachers and schools. Participating teacher from St Philips Christian College, David Bonzo was impressed with the continuous interest and willingness of Engineers Australia to have such positive input into the schools.
"With the diverse nature of the engineering studies course, participation from industry professionals at Engineers Australia helps our students develop a stronger understanding of the amount of engineering that actually surrounds them.” Mr Bonzo said.
On a closing note, even though people have ‘poked fun’ at the arts, I truly believe STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) is the new STEM. The arts can open the mind to innovative ways of thinking, bringing new solutions to old problems. One thing is for sure, Australia is recognised for our innovative ‘Blue Sky’ thinkers and we should be very proud of our international reputation and pass-on our great community achievements to our non-engineering friends and organisations. Just have a look at the recent Australian Engineering Excellence Awards for some amazing examples.
During my term as Engineers Australia’s Newcastle President it has been a privilege to engage and work with many organisations and wonderful community orientated people. We look forward to further strengthening those relationships with our ongoing collaborations in 2017.
Remember that Engineers Australia is your trusted voice to support future community initiatives and achieve great outcomes. I thank you all for your support throughout the year for the success of my role as President, and wish you all the very best.
Image: Mr Dave Bonzo’s Year 11 Engineering Studies class at St Philip’s Christian College (Newcastle Campus). The trophies that students are holding are from the recent Electric Vehicle Festival competition where our two teams took First Place in the Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship award, and the won the overall Grand Champion’s Cup. Image courtesy St Philip’s Christian College.