As Queensland’s resource sector continues to thrive, demand for skilled professionals is increasing, with engineering workers emerging as some of the most sought after employees.
A recent senate enquiry revealed that Australia’s engineering shortage was crippling the economy by billions of dollars in productivity each year.
With the Queensland government’s launch of its Supporting Women Scholarships program this month, the nation’s peak engineering body has commended the initiative.
The new scheme, which will offer financial incentives to up to 500 women who enrol in traditionally male-dominated fields, has received praise from Engineers Australia.
“The Supporting Women scholarship program is a fantastic initiative that will improve the participation rates of women in engineering,” the organisation’s president Steven Goh explained.
Just under 11 per cent of women represent the engineering labour force – reiterating the need for more women to enter the field, Mr Goh said.
“Encouraging more women to join the engineering profession is of vital importance if Australia is to fulfil its ambitious nation-building agenda over the coming decade. Engineers Australia’s research shows that engineering skills shortages and scoping shortfalls have led to millions in cost over-runs and many more lost opportunities for infrastructure projects.”
Mr Goh said in the last six years, at least one in 20 engineering projects was stalled due to skills shortages in trained professionals necessitated for the job.
