Gaining a scholarship at Bundaberg Regional Council has given three local first-year CQUniversity engineering students a welcome boost to their learning.
Amy Collyer, Ethan Irvine and Leticia Kyle were first interviewed on completion of Year 12 in 2018 and were awarded the scholarships for demonstrating an interest in engineering, a high academic standard, good critical thinking and an involvement in community activities.
Council awards these scholarships to local students in their first year of university studies. The scholarship includes part payment of their HECS and a three-month period of working with Council’s civil engineers.
Engineering Services Design Manager Adam Johnston said this work experience component provides each student with knowledge that supports CQU’s learning outcomes and acts as a practical background that should assist them throughout their degree.
CQU engineering students Ethan Irvine, Leticia Kyle and Amy Collyer commenced their practical learning at Council at the end of November.
“I think it’s fantastic that I’m getting this exposure,” said Ethan.
“I didn’t have much of a grasp of civil engineering before this and fortunately being at Council has given me an insight into what’s involved.”
When Amy Collyer was first told she’d been offered the engineering scholarship she couldn’t contain her excitement.
“I remained calm while on the phone but after that I just screamed with excitement,” she said.
“Council has so many different projects happening and it’s great to see the types of engineering jobs I might be doing in the future.”
Leticia Kyle said she chose to study engineering as it correlates well with her interests plus it runs in the family.
“I have two older brothers who are currently studying engineering, with one graduating this year,” she said.
“Working with Council has given me an insight into what civil engineers do. I get to see how road, water and coastal infrastructure design works and what responsibilities I would be undertaking should I choose to work within infrastructure services.”
Engineering Services Branch Manager Dwayne Honor said further to the engineering scholarships, another opportunity that Council offers is a CQU Co-op program role to 3rd year and 4th year engineering students which includes six-month blocks of practical experience.
In addition, Council has recently advertised for a graduate engineer offering a five-year contract position that will eventually lead the successful applicant into becoming a Registered Professional Engineer (RPE) of Queensland.
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