Central Queensland University staff and students took part in a Power Engineering Alliance (PEA) networking function at Rockhampton's Ergon Energy recently (March 19).

The function gave PEA bursary holders the chance to talk about their studies and work placements.

CQU's Dr Nasser Hossein-Zadeh with (from left) CQU graduate engineers Sarah Lobban-Blackman and Melissa St John from Ergon and PEA rep Adriana Bodnarova

Ergon Executive General Manager Network Neil Lowry welcomed guests before CQU's Professor Peter Wolfs (Associate Dean for Research & Innovation) presented an overview of the PEA bursaries and opportunities they provide.

PEA Chair Simon Bartlett highlighted the importance and value of the bursary program and introduced bursary holders Marc Cochrane and Robert Sutherland, both from CQU.

Mr Cochrane gave a presentation about his work placement with bursary sponsor Ergon Energy and Mr Sutherland shared about his placements with bursary sponsors Stanwell Corporation, PB Power and CS Energy.

Industry representative Blake Harvey, from Ergon Energy, spoke about the experience of mentoring and supervising Mr Cochrane and the benefits and lessons learned from the placement.

CQU's Dr Nasser Hossein-Zadeh presented bursary reports on CDs to industry sponsors.

• Among the core PEA functions is a bursary program supported by Powerlink, Energex, Ergon Energy, ABB Australia, Tarong Energy, API, Areva T&D, CS Energy, Maunsell Australia, PB Power, Stanwell Corporation, Queensland Alumina Ltd, United Group Ltd and Connell Wagner.

Ergon's Blake Harvey, CQU's Professor Jennelle Kyd, Dr Quan Li, Professor Peter Wolfs and PEA Chair Simon Bartlett
CQU's Dr Nasser Hossein-Zadeh with Sei Chen from John Holland Group
L-R are Ergon's Blake Harvey, bursary recipient Robert Sutherland, bursary recipient Jodie O'Donohoe and Joshua Young from QAL