Central Queensland high school students heard how they could combine study and paid work at Central Queensland University’s Co-op Info Day last Sunday.

The event was staged at Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and Bundaberg with some activities taking place via video conference.

The event provided students with information on life as an engineer and also the University’s Engineering Co-op program – a unique four-year program which combines study and real work experience.

Director of CQU’s Engineering Co-op program Rod Edwards said the event was a fun day for students.

“The Co-op Info day was a fun day aimed at year 11 and 12 students who expressed interest in doing engineering and in particular CQU’s Co-op program,” Mr Edwards said.

“The Co-op program at CQU is a unique program which combines the rigour of an accredited academic program with periods of paid, supervised and relevant experience in the workplace.

Students undertake two six-month periods of approved industrial experience during their third and four years of the program.

“CQU is one of three universities in Australia with 100% graduate employment through its engineering programs.

As part of the day’s activities, students heard about the course on-campus and in industry from two current Co-op students; a graduate engineer talked about life after university; and course administrators spoke about the exciting opportunity to work overseas while enrolled as a student – just like 10 students are doing right now.

Ten $1000 scholarships were up for grabs at the Co-op Info Day, with two students from each district - Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg - and two from across Central Queensland able to win. Winners of the scholarships must enrol in CQU’s Co-op Engineering program to receive the scholarship.

Photo: (Front) Engineering student mentors Briony Black and Melissa Schick encourage The Cathedral College year 12 students Stacey Rigney, Ben McKinnon and Naomi Fisher to enrol in an engineering degree at CQU.