CQU this week announced the availability of the first 2 years of the 4.5 year Engineering degree on its Gladstone campus from 2007.

It is expected that the engineering cohort on Gladstone campus in 2007 will total 40 students made up of current students as well as 2007 commencing students.

Ken Smith, the CQU Engineering Coordinator for Gladstone, said that CQU is excited about this innovation as it recognised the importance of Gladstone as an engineering hub and this development allows CQU to enhance its already strong links with Gladstone and Central Queensland industry.

“The structure of the program provides the students with many different learning environments including on campus work at Gladstone and Rockhampton as well as two paid 6-month industry placements," Mr Smith said.

CQU is committed to helping local communities and industry address the severe skills shortage for engineers.

By providing Gladstone school leavers with the opportunity to study within their local community for 2 years it is expected that a high proportion of these students will return to the region after graduation, to practise as professional engineers.