CQUniversity power engineering students Steven Lowry and Roland Jarrett are among 17 Queenslanders who have gained a funding boost to help with their studies.

This boon is part of a program to attract and retain talented young engineers to the state's energy sector.

Roland Jarrett receives his bursary from JCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding during a ceremony in TownsvilleThe students from across the state each received an $8000 bursary to support their higher education studies from the Power Engineering Alliance (PEA), an industry body supported by public and private companies involved in Queensland's power industry.

The bursary scheme is part of the PEA's $5 million commitment to strengthen the skills base across the state's power industry through education, research and professional development.

The CQUniversity students received their bursaries during a ceremony in Townsville, also attended by our new power engineering lecturer Amanullah Maung Than Oo. Amanullah is 50% funded from the PEA for 5 years and 50% supported from the Institute for Resource Industries and Sustainability (IRIS) - formerly the Resourcing Queensland flagship.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said the bursary recipients were starting out on a bright career path.

"This is all about bringing on new generation of skilled engineers in our power industry," Mr Wilson said.

"Queensland's energy industry is the second largest in Australia and the fastest-growing. We need to ensure our young power engineers develop the practical, real-world skills they need.

"Bursary recipients will also be offered valuable networking opportunities with peers and senior professionals, which will help advance their career."

Steve Lowry receives his bursary from Professor HardingThe industry event also marked the announcement of the amalgamation between the Queensland PEA and the national body, The Australian Power Institute ( API ), and the launch of a website promoting the profession to senior high school students.

The Power Engineering Bursary sponsors include ABB Australia, AREVA T&D, Australian Power Institute, Connell Wagner, CS Energy, ENERGEX, Ergon Energy, John Holland Power, Maunsell Australia, Parsons Brinckerhoff Power, Powerlink Queensland, Queensland Alumina Limited, Stanwell Corporation, Tarong Energy, Tenix Australia and The United Group Infrastructure. The bursaries are offered in collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology, the University of Queensland, CQUniversity and James Cook University.