Accepting a cadetship at Bundaberg Regional Council has given CQUniversity engineering student Jordan Van Den Barselaar an opportunity to study while gaining hands-on experience.
As part of a partnership between the two organisations, the engineering cadetship was designed to address skills shortages, foster innovation and retain talent locally.
Council supports cadets with course fees and time off for study, exams and residentials.
Cadets also have the chance to work with various teams including Water Services, Parks and Gardens, Infrastructure Planning and Civil Works.
Encouragement from his university lecturer motivated Jordan to apply for the cadetship with Council.
“I took advantage of the opportunity to apply, and it has turned out to be incredibly valuable,” he said.
“The combination of theoretical knowledge from my university studies with hands-on experience in the workplace has been very beneficial.
“Being involved in work that directly impacts the community and contributes to the development of local infrastructure has been very fulfilling.
“My ultimate goal is to become a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland, with the ambition of eventually starting my own business.
“This path aligns with my long-term vision of making a positive impact in the field and delivering innovation within the engineering sector.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said it was just one of many ways a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between Council and CQUniversity could help to strengthen the region.
“Working collaboratively to address skills shortages is something Council and CQUniversity have always done well together,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“The MOU will see us partnering to tackle big issues and working together to create a more sustainable community, grow and attract skilled workforces, increase investment in the region, support and grow industry, protect the environment and improve community health and resilience.”
CQUniversity’s Head of College for Engineering and Aviation, Associate Professor Ben Taylor said that engineering cadetships were becoming a popular choice for students and for industry.
“Engineering cadetships benefit students by giving them exposure to industry and invaluable paid work experience while they study.
“Students also benefit by being able to establish professional networks while they are still at university and from being mentored in the field by qualified industry professionals,” said Assoc Prof Taylor.
CQUniversity School of Engineering and Technology has established partnerships with several organisations throughout Queensland to offer engineering cadetships.
For more information on engineering cadetships including eligibility and current opportunities open for application, please visit the CQUniversity Engineering Cadetship page.
