Developments in engineering education for rural Australia

This paper discusses the shortages of engineers in Australia and how this impacts upon local government authorities in rural and regional areas. The reasons why this situation has developed are analysed and remedial proposals by key stakeholders are outlined. The response by the University of New England, through a partnership with professional institutions and several local government employers, is detailed. In particular, the content of their new degree programmes, for both school leavers and mature entrants, is explained along with the metaphorical bridges between these programmes to enable engineers at all levels to be developed. The paper explains how this approach is expected to attract and retain professional staff in rural and regional areas that have previously suffered from staff depletions.