Boral Asphalt Queensland has launched a $14,000 scholarship agreement with Central Queensland University to attract more students to civil engineering and address the current skills shortage.

Boral Area Manager for Central Queensland, Rick Rolfe said the scholarship not only offers financial incentive to students, but is backed by sustainable employment opportunities.

“The scholarship agreement incorporates both vacation work and graduate employment for the students. Boral are proud to be able to offer students comprehensive, on-the-job training, covering a broad range of issues relating to civil engineering application,” Mr Rolfe said.

The current skill shortage in engineering has placed added pressure on both employers and universities to recruit and attract students to the industry.

Executive Dean for the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Health at CQU, Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO said the scholarship also provided benefits for Boral as an employer.

“Qualified engineers are highly sought after and being able to offer students problem-based learning and hands-on experience before completing their studies is an excellent way of enhancing graduate outcomes,” Professor Taylor said.

The scholarship offers $7,000 per year over a 2-year period and is open to students studying the Bachelor of Engineering Co-Op program, concentrating in civil engineering, with CQU.

Photo: (L-R) Dr Koon Wong (CQU), Executive Dean Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO, Rick Rolfe (Area Manager Boral), Shelley Fawcett (Industry Liason Officer, CQU).