An alternate entry memorandum was signed this week between Gladstone’s local high schools, Central Queensland University and the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE.

The memorandum aims to create more flexibility for students wishing to gain entry into CQU’s undergraduate engineering programs.

Gladstone first-year engineering coordinator, Ken Smith said the initiative was a response to the existing skills shortage which has stretched the supply of qualified professional engineers to the limit.

The memorandum was developed and implemented by the Gladstone Region Engineering Educators Network (GREEN).

The GREEN initiative seeks to broaden the eligibility for entry into Undergraduate Engineering Programs at CQU to secondary students who prove to have the potential to succeed in the key areas of Mathematics, Physics and English.

To gain entry through the GREEN initiative, students are required to apply to CQU though their school, in parallel with a QTAC application.

The student will be required to demonstrate in their application a high level knowledge in the key academic areas, as well as displaying the skills and the attitude to succeed in engineering studies at a tertiary level.

Students who apply through GREEN will have the benefit of knowing much earlier of their acceptance into CQU.

“It has taken two years to bring the GREEN initiative to fruition and over this time representatives from each participating institution have been involved to some degree.

“It must be said that the efforts of the late Ron Smith of CQU, who was a very professional and tireless educator in the area of Science and Engineering, have been instrumental in bringing this document to the table for signing.

“In many ways, this document is yet another example of Ron’s continuing legacy to the education of the youth of this region,” said Mr Smith.

High School students can begin enrolling through GREEN from this week on.