CQUniversity is shortlisting applicants for the first five positions available under a new Engineering Cadetship Program, providing young people in Gladstone region with an alternative pathway to enter university and the chance to secure a career with local industry.

The program is a unique partnership between the University through Gladstone Region Engineering Careers (GReEnCareers), Energy Skills Queensland and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. Employer sponsors are coming on board too.

Program representative David Gilmour said a further five positions would become available in 2012, with details available via the Engineering Cadetship Brochure . To be eligible, students must be Indigenous, female or migrants with Australian residency.

"The program supports the future skills needs of industry in the region with the provision of local candidates/employees," he said.

"The Cadetship Program provides participants with a flexible work/study balance while they are completing an undergraduate degree with CQUniversity. On completion of the degree, they will be able to work as a professional engineer in civil, electrical or mechanical fields."

Mr Gilmour said Gladstone region is already Queensland's major industrial location with established world-class infrastructure and linkages to international markets.

"The city will also be home to Queensland's emerging Liquefied Natural Gas production industry," he said. "These cadets may well find positions supporting this future LNG boom."