06 Jun 2011
Engineers Australia, Victoria Division is proud to support the Engineering Students @ Work program (ES@W), an initiative that aims to foster an interest in engineering that is achieving real results.
The program launched by AKORN Educational Services provides secondary-aged students with a realistic engineering experience. The program offers students a valuable insight into engineering through project-based exposure to working in an engineering firm, providing participants with important knowledge and inspiration prior to making their tertiary education choices.
One such student who has benefited immensely from participation in this program is Sneha Bhattachan, who had the opportunity to work with leading engineering consultancy Norman Disney & Young (NDY) in 2009. Now in her first year of university at RMIT, Sneha is studying a double degree in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Science and plans to major in hydraulics, a decision she directly credits to her rewarding program experience at NDY.
“Before I went to Norman Disney & Young, I had no intention of being an engineer. One week of their time has absolutely changed my life,” Sneha said.
As well as receiving information on specific engineering disciplines including mechanical, fire, electrical and hydraulics, students who participate in the program undertake a research project which requires them to come up with novel sustainable design solutions. The real success of the program has been in exposing students to engineering and in helping to develop their professional skills and career aspirations.
The positive implications are twofold; the program not only benefits the participating students but represents an active and innovative attempt to redress continuing skills shortages in the engineering industry. With students presented with more diverse career options than ever before, it is important to capture their attention and promote engineering as a valuable and fulfilling pursuit.
NDY has been extremely pleased with the response to the program which now forms part of NDY’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineering talent.
For further information:
NDY
Peter Koulos
03 9862 6851
p.koulos@ndy.com
AKORN
Georgene Bridgman
0412 339 553
georgene.b@akorn.com.au
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