Bundaberg North State High School students helped to build model bridges with input from professional engineers as part of a Bundaberg Jobs Commitment Immerse Day.
On November 30, a team of leading engineers and project managers visited the year eight students and formed the judging panel to select the winning bridge.
The focus of the day, coordinated through Bundaberg Regional Council’s Jobs Commitment Program, was to expose the students to the real-life significance of engineering, and the range of roles and responsibilities involved in the construction of building projects.
Throughout the course of the day, visiting engineers spoke to the students, giving them an insight into the life of an engineer.
CQUniversity Head of Undergraduate Engineering Ben Taylor said the project aimed to build awareness about careers in engineering and project management and allow students the opportunity to experience it hands-on.
“‘Today is really about giving the students some perspective,” Ben said.
“Some perspective of how engineers are creating structures and how project managers are managing those projects to deliver outcomes for the community.
Students constructed their bridges in teams of five, while keeping in consideration budget, environmental impact, sustained weight, projected longevity and group reporting skills.
They were required to use team work and problem-solving skills to create their bridges out of allocated craft materials.
Keen student Bree Lester said the challenge was fun.
She said the most interesting aspect of her Immerse Day experience was “learning about different roles in engineering and people’s careers”.
Bianca Payne, a member of the winning team, said they had worked hard to construct their bridge out of blue tack, pipe cleaners, paddle pop sticks and tape.
Queensland Computers owner Geoff Augutis said the Jobs Commitment program Immerse Day gave students a chance to discover what careers were out there, and what they’re passionate about.
“What we find is things like this give them a chance to see what those jobs actually entail, and whether it is something they might want to do,” Geoff said.
“Or in some cases maybe it’s not something they don’t want to do, which is just as valuable.”
Prizes were donated by Queensland Computers.
– Calista Crawford
