Caitlyn Wilson is a third-year Bachelor of Engineering Co-op Student at Central Queensland University currently on field placement at Connell Wagner in Mackay.

Ms Wilson took the opportunity last week to extend her knowledge and experiences to Mackay State High Students and encouraged girls and boys to enter the field of Engineering.

“I was motivated to study engineering through a similar talk at my school four years ago, so I can see the importance of letting students know about what engineers do”.

“The Bachelor Engineering Co-op program also gives students the opportunity to undertake their fourth year placement overseas,” Ms Wilson said.

Ms Wilson specialises in Civil Engineering which focuses on a variety of designs and planning, such as land and urban development, as well as bridges, water drainage, environment, buildings, industrial and traffic design.

Ms Wilson’s work at Connell Wagner has included working on sub-divisions and in the urban development area.

“There is a definite shortage of engineers worldwide, and the Co-op Program at CQU enables students to go on paid work placement giving the employer the opportunity to monitor individual performance in a consulting environment”.

“With few females in the field, Caitlyn has been an excellent asset to the company and we will be sorry when she finishes up”, Principal of Connell Wagner, Mr Peter McIntyre said.

Connell Wagner has been involved in the placement of students over two years and has employed two of the graduates so far.

Dr Fae Martin, Sub-Dean of Engineering said many local companies support the Co-op program and have taken students for field placement.

“With the skills shortage extending to engineering, students are entering the workforce and taking on some real-life projects. Having the hands on experience certainly prepares students for the knowledge and skills needed for their engineering career,” she said.

For further information, please contact Fae Martin on 4940 7582.