The signs are promising for advanced years of an Engineering degree to be offered in Bundaberg.

That was a key message for campus and community representatives who celebrated the introduction of the foundation year of Engineering at CQUniversity Bundaberg recently. Those attending included Bundaberg Mayor Cr Mal Forman and councillors, local MPs and industry reps, as well as the students and their parents. More than 20 students have enrolled.

L-R Peter Manson (Bundaberg Sugar Ltd), David Austen (Bundaberg North State High School), Ben Taylor (CQUni Bundaberg Engineering Lecturer), Mike Egan (Bundaberg Regional Council)

Dean of Engineering and Technology Professor Euan Lindsay says there is huge community demand and support for an engineering program in Bundaberg.

"The community has realised the importance of engineers as a result of the record floods experienced in the region," he says.

"Offering this program locally is great for the region because kids can grow up in Bundaberg, go to school in Bundaberg, go to university in Bundaberg and establish their careers as engineers in the Bundaberg region. The community will benefit from their professional skills if they study locally and stay local."

L-R Dean of Engineering Professor Euan Lindsay with Ian Bent from CamIT

Head of Campus Professor Phillip Clift says it has been a long journey to bring the program to Bundaberg and he hopes it can be extended to offer second, third and fourth-year studies.

"Funds for the program were made available because of community demand. Signs are already good with the foundation program in Bundaberg attracting the same number of first-year students as have the programs on offer in Mackay and Gladstone," he says.

"It's a perfect time for students to excel because they can study in small classes, have access to good resources and have their family support. There are plans to establish a purpose-built engineering studio on campus."

Professor Clift thanked Bundaberg Regional Council for providing three scholarships and work placements for students.

The new students started out learning about basic construction methodologies, building structures from pencils and water bottles. They will soon go out to local industry to gain first-hand experience about real-life projects and to find out what working in a professional environment is like.

Prof Phillip Clift addresses people gathered to mark the introduction of Engineering in Bundaberg