The Department of Main Roads launched a $7000 scholarship with Central Queensland University in April to attract more students to study civil engineering.

Mackay resident Paula Clark was recently awarded the lucrative scholarship.

Paula was delighted to receive the Main Roads scholarship that will help her through her studies at CQU Mackay and into a career as a Civil Engineer.

“I’m very excited about being awarded a scholarship with Main Roads. I have been interested in civil engineering for some time now, so it was great to receive this scholarship,” Paula said.

Congratulating Paula on her achievement was Ken Williamson, District Manager for the Department of Main Roads, Mackay.

“The scholarship is an excellent way to promote the type of engineers we are looking to retain. The scholarship was open for all CQU students so we were pleased to see it awarded to a Mackay resident”.

The shortage of qualified engineers is a nationwide issue now and Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas believes this is just the kind of initiative industries and universities need to work together on, to help combat the problem.

“This initiative not only encourages students to enrol in engineering, but will hopefully encourage more future engineering graduates to seriously consider a career with Main Roads,” Mr Lucas said.

Photo: Ken Williamson, District Manager for Main Roads, congratulates CQU Mackay engineering student Paula Clark, as the recipient of a new Department of Main Roads Scholarship program for CQU first-year Civil engineering students.