Engineers Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s $128.5 million investment to fund 4,000 additional university places across four years, applauding its effort to strengthen the future of engineering and the AUKUS workforce.
Engineers Australia CEO, Romilly Madew, said the government has addressed the skills shortage that is affecting the engineering sector.
“The recognition of the vital role engineers will play in AUKUS is not only a testament to the importance of engineering in safeguarding Australia’s national security but also a commitment to ensuring our nation remains at the forefront of technological advancements,” Ms Madew said.
“AUKUS is one our nation’s biggest engineering endeavours since the Snowy Hydro project and the profession will be a critical voice in areas of regulation and oversight, as well as the operation and maintenance will be required to support this program”.
“Australia’s engineering sector is at a tipping point and without urgent action projects such as AUKUS, the infrastructure pipeline and reaching net zero by 2050 will not be achieved.
“Engineers Australia is calling on the Government to adopt the target of producing 60,000 additional engineering graduates by 2033. This will help cater to our nation’s engineering needs and ensure that Australia continues to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
“Engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the future. This investment highlights the government’s understanding and appreciation of that fact. We remain committed to working alongside policymakers to ensure that Australia’s engineering potential is fully realised.”
