MSQ boosts CQUniversity engineering students with bursaries
Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) has partnered with CQUniversity today announcing an initiative to grow the engineering and manufacturing workforce in Regional Queensland through bursaries for students studying the Associate Degree of Engineering.
The partnership aims to provide at least 30 CQUniversity students with a 50 per cent tuition bursary towards their studies – resulting in about $10,000 in savings on their degrees.
“We’re thrilled that Manufacturing Skills Queensland is supporting our engineering cadetships program by offering this amazing opportunity in Regional Queensland, and we sincerely thank them for the support,” Engineering and Aviation Head of College Associate Professor Benjamin Taylor said.
Dr Taylor said there would be some prerequisites required for students to successfully attain a bursary.
“Students who wish to apply for a bursary will need to enter a cadetship employed by a small to medium engineering firm at an operation centre in Regional Queensland,” he explained.
“This could be tradespeople looking to upskill to the Engineering Associate level or higher – and the bursaries are also available for new students eager to join the workforce.”
The partnership was announced at MSQ’s Industry Outlook event in Rockhampton.
MSQ Chief Executive Rebecca Andrews said the cadetship program would help build capacity and capability in regional Queensland.
“MSQ is excited to partner with CQUniversity to subsidise up to 30 places in the Associate Degree of Engineering program,” Ms Andrew said.
"Our goal is to expand the pool of highly-skilled workers in regional Queensland, increasing the technical capacity of our manufacturing workforce. This initiative is a direct investment in the future of our regional industries," she said.
“We know how vital these engineering skills are for manufacturers in our regions, which are renowned for their expertise in design, manufacturing, and maintenance of equipment across diverse sectors.”
Dr Taylor said the bursaries would be a win-win for small businesses and cadets alike.
“There are many Small to Medium Enterprises of less than 200 employees crying out for assistance to upskill and grow their workforce and this is one way that CQUniversity, with the help of MSQ, can assist and potentially create an immediate impact.”
Dr Taylor said the Associate Degree in Engineering was a great entry point to engineering practice.
“As one example, Engineering Associates can work as site foremen supervising construction teams and sharing practical insights into engineering projects. By working and learning, cadets gain so many benefits – from practical real-world experiences to industry connections and engagement.
"Studying CQUniversity’s Associate Degree also provides straightforward articulation pathways to an Engineering Technologist or Professional Engineer at any future stage in their career.”
Students and employers can express interest via CQUniversity’s cadetships website. Bursaries will be awarded on a first in, first served basis. Employers are encouraged to consider co-contributing to reduce or eliminate costs for individuals. More information is also available via the MSQ Engineering Cadetship Program Subsidy page.
Employers interested in having CQUniversity visit their workplace to discuss this opportunity in a session for their staff are encouraged to contact coea@cqu.edu.au.
