• Australia needs thousands of new engineers and Charles Sturt University is playing a leading role training them

Charles Sturt University is playing an increasingly leading role in training engineers to fill a national shortage.

Results of an Engineers Australia (EA) poll of 450 industry professionals, released on 29 May, reveals that engineering skills shortages and workforce gaps are the industry’s leading concern, according to 44.4 per cent of respondents.

EA says that demand for engineers is expected to grow by around 20 per cent over the next decade, while approximately 70,000 engineers are projected to retire in that same time.  

Director of Charles Sturt Engineering Professor Tim Anderson agrees with the warning that the Australian economy is hampered by an engineering skills shortage.

“Engineers Australia has emphasised that Australia’s engineering skills and labour shortage is at its highest level in more than a decade, with the demand for engineering skills outpacing supply,” Professor Anderson said.    

“Engineers play a vital role in driving every sector of the economy and Charles Sturt University is helping to tackle the deepening engineering skills crisis in Australia.”

In response to this crisis, Charles Sturt University has developed a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering, using a unique ‘2 + 2’ format.

In this program, students complete two years study on campus and then two years of paid cadetship work placements in industry, thus addressing the engineering skills shortage, and providing students with an opportunity to earn while they learn.

Recent graduate Mr Ethan Carter said he believed he accelerated his career progression by years by studying with the Charles Sturt Engineering program.

“The degree enabled me to concurrently grow my industry networks and, more importantly, my industry credibility,” Mr Carter said.

“My cohort and I are all extremely employable and have a great selection of roles to choose from in the industry.”

Charles Sturt Engineering is hosting an Engineering Information Night at 6pm on Thursday 25 June for prospective engineering students, their parents, carers and teachers to hear more about the program.

They will be able speak directly to Professor Anderson and Course Director Associate Professor Miao Li, who will provide information about courses, cadetships, and scholarships, as well as ‘how to apply’ information.

The webinar will also feature current students, graduates and industry cadet host organisations, Transport for NSW and Transgrid.

To find out more about studying engineering with Charles Sturt book a place for the online webinar.