Michelle Slater
Federation University is addressing skills shortages in Gippsland with a new electrical engineering degree to train and retain workers in the region.
The new Bachelor of Engineering honours program will produce graduates ready to help the region in its transition.
The four-year degree will include electric systems, magnetics, power electronics, renewables, power transmission and distribution and artificial intelligence, with a 12-week work placement.
Incoming deputy vice-chancellor (academic) Wendy Cross said the new course to start next year would help tackle “critical shortages” in engineering.
Professor Cross it would enable prospective engineers to study and then go on to work close to home.
“We are working with the engineering sector to build a pipeline of graduates ready to take on the jobs of the future as Gippsland continues to transition away from traditional forms of power generation,” Professor Cross said.
The course is being delivered in partnership with Australian Carbon Innovation, which is offering $7000 scholarships to eight students.
ACI chief executive officer Brian Davey said it was important to train students in undergraduate STEM degrees as the older generation of engineers were retiring, or were unable to come from overseas.
“You have to look at local resources to build inherent capabilities, it’s good to develop our own skills base,” Mr Davey said.
“This will support a cross-industry skills base, with work in fossil fuels, transmission, renewables, there will be multiple pathways to take.”
Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan said having qualified workers was “vital” if council was to succeed in encouraging businesses to expand or relocate to the Valley.
“This engineering degree is a great example of what we can achieve when local industries and our local university work together to address skill demands in the region,” Cr O’Callaghan said.
