Diversity and encouraging young people to consider engineering as an attractive career will be the main focus of Engineers Australia’s new Townsville committee.
A new committee was elected in November and chairman Cosmin Ghebosu said it had already identified a number of issues to tackle.
“Diversity and engagement of the younger generation within the engineering and STEM community has long been an issue discussed with our local industry,” Mr Ghebosu said.
“Our committee is passionate about addressing these issues and striving towards providing equal opportunity for both males and females within the local engineering profession while also promoting STEM to the younger generation.
“In 2019, the committee will continue supporting our Women’s Day breakfast and teaming up with organisations such as CSIRO, the Engineering Link Group, James Cook University and various local schools with the aim of assisting in STEM programs to help achieve this goal.”
Mr Ghebosu said the committee would use major projects like the Port of Townsville upgrade, Townsville Stadium project and Haughton pipeline duplication project to show engineering at its best.
“Our plan for 2019 is to help showcase these projects to the local engineering group and the greater community through industry-led presentations and seminars,” Mr Ghebosu said.
“(These) large projects currently under way in the region have caught the attention of residents and media, both locally and across the state.”
Mr Ghebosu said the committee had a major role to play in promoting engineering in the Townsville region.
“The role of the regional group is to provide support to the greater engineering community within the region,” he said.
“We achieve this through facilitating continuing professional development events, technical seminars and networking events.
“Our committee is also passionate about advocating and showcasing the engineering profession and holds a stall at the Cotter’s markets each year to engage the greater community.”
Mr Ghebosu said the committee supported 625 members and 275 student members.
“Meeting on a monthly basis, our committee operates primarily within the Townsville region but, where possible, we aim to facilitate events for our members in the western parts of the region,” he said.
(Featured image of Townsville by Roslyn Budd)
