Students from local primary and high schools were last week given the opportunity to explore career pathways as part of a two-day program called The Power of Engineering.
The non-for-profit organisation runs events Australia-wide to inspire regional and female students to pursue a career in STEM.
This year's event, held in partnership with Kepnock State High School, saw a mix of year 6 and year 9 students from around the region come together to focus on the landscape of engineering.
The multi-day event featured keynote speakers, workshops and an interactive panel hosted by CQUniversity.
According to Power of Engineering National Operations Manager Chloe Chloe Turrell, students were split into groups and taken on site tours to get a better understanding of what careers are available.
“The sites that we visit are not limited by type of engineering or operational level,” she said.
“For example, we have visited hospitals, civil engineering projects still under construction, functional airport hangers and processing facilities.
“Our aim is to showcase the diverse careers and projects that engineering can take you to, and the many roles of engineers/team members who must work together to execute projects/work.”
Kepnock State High School teacher Nicole Amey said this year students were taken to a number of facilities across the region, including the Energy Queensland Bundaberg depot, Bundaberg Airport and CQUniversity.
“Energy Queensland and Queensland Computers provides sponsorship to the Power of Engineering event,” she said.
“With this continued partnership, female students can better understand the various routes through tertiary or apprenticeships on offer for engineering.
“For 2023, the event has evolved to also include collaborations with CQUniversity, Ben Taylor and the female CQU Engineering students,” she said.
“Year 6 youths in our region were also invited as a focus on raising a STEM priority in females and capturing engagement in the landscape of engineering at a crucial learning point.”
The 2023 Power of Engineering event included 56 students from Kepnock State High School, Elliott Heads State School, Norville State School, Bargara State School and Kalkie State School.
Bundaberg Regional Council is a proud supporter of the event.
