Engineering cadetships will help CQU students forge early career opportunities with industry

A new series of CQUniversity Engineering cadetships will not only aim to inject much-needed talent into the engineering sector, but also create an employment avenue for students as early as their first year of studies.

Head of College for Engineering and Aviation Associate Professor Benjamin Taylor said the creation of the cadetships was CQU’s response to the persisting labour shortage, which demands an immediate and sustained injection of talent into the engineering workforce throughout Queensland.

He said CQU had engaged more than 40 major partner industries including the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, BMA, Anglo American, Downer, Hastings Deering, Stanwell Corporation Limited and Aurizon to mention but a few to provide the cadetships.

“Our model enables students from their first year of studies to enter the workforce and earn as they learn under an agreement to balance work and study commitments sustainably,” Dr Taylor said. 

“We have already registered about 40 cadetships for students commencing in 2024." 
 

Dr Taylor said the cadetships would also help retain talent in the regions and grow engineering capabilities for regional communities.

Students in CQUniversity’s Associate Degree of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Technology, and any Bachelor of Engineering Honours course can apply for cadetships from employers representing Queensland’s full breadth across the engineering profession from multi-national resources consortiums, regional councils, and small to large engineering consultancies. 

“The Engineering cadets combine part-time or full-time employment with study, graduating confidently,” Dr Taylor said. 

“Many cadets also will directly enter their employer’s graduate program. Cadets can apply what they learn at CQUniversity directly to the workplace, obtaining a deeper understanding of professional expectations and developing expert skills through emersion in real-world scenarios. 

“Most cadetships will also include a rapid on-the-job training program to ensure software and design skills and procedural knowledge matches their employer’s needs.

“The cadetships will complement CQUniversity’s Engineering Co-op program to maintain our reputation for producing Australasia’s most work-ready engineering graduates.”  

Applications for cadetships will be through each employer’s usual recruitment process, with links to all opportunities from the new CQU cadetships website.

Applicants must show proof of CQUniversity enrolment, a letter of offer, or a Principal’s recommendation for any engineering course. 

For more information visit https://www.cqu.edu.au/study/engineering/engineering-cadetships