The first cohort of aspiring engineers have commenced their university studies in the region, supported through Uni Hub Spencer Gulf.

Uni Hub Chief Executive Officer Anita Crisp said graduates of the Associate Degree in Engineering are in strong demand due to growth across the energy, construction, mining and manufacturing sectors.

“Current and future shortages in professional and technical engineering skills have been consistently identified as an issue by local employers,” she said.

“Being able to offer a university-level engineering qualification locally is a significant milestone that will help the region grow its own skilled workforce.

“We’ve already had a great response from local engineering employers who are looking to support their existing workers to undertake the qualification, and there is growing interest from school leavers who are considering engineering as a study and career option.”

Students are enrolled in the Associate Degree in Engineering with Uni Hub’s partner, CQUniversity, who were selected by a local industry advisory panel, following extensive negotiations with several universities.

“CQU has a strong track record in engineering and has worked with us to specifically tailor the course structure to meet the needs of the region,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic qualification that combines academic excellence and rigour with a strong focus on practical, industry experience that will result in work-ready engineering graduates.

“Academic lectures are delivered online by the university, but students studying through Uni Hub will receive additional support including local tutorials, access to our study centres and coordination of local industry placements and technical lab sessions.”

Pictured were, from left, Uni Hub Spencer Gulf student services coordinator Kim Gregory, engineering students Alex Hudson, Nathan Richards, Brett Woolford, David Keynes and Adrian Horne,  and Uni Hub engineering and industry engagement coordinator Lynn Wallace.