Government commits $350 000 for Australian National Engineering Taskforce
Mar 30, 2010
Minister for Education and Employment, Julia Gillard, today announced the Australian Government would provide $350 000 for two new research projects to boost the nation’s engineering workforce.
Ms Gillard said the projects would be conducted by Australian National Engineering Taskforce (ANET) to assist both the education sector and the industry to combat engineering shortages.
The first project will study demand and supply of engineering skills while the second will research pathways for engineering education in the vocational education and training and university sectors.
Ms Gillard made the announcement following a tour of the Gorgon Plant on Barrow Island, the second-largest natural gas project in Australia's history and modern-day equivalent to the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme.
The Australian Government recognises the vital role of engineering in innovation, productivity and the capacity of industry.
Ms Gillard said the taskforce would build on recent increases in engineering university applications to help protect the industry from future skills shortages.
Another focus of the study will be the participation of women and students from low SES backgrounds, both of which are currently under-represented in the industry.
The taskforce will also look at ways to improve retention rates to provide more stability for employers within the sector.
The two projects will:
- analyse supply and demand by key industries;
- detail issues hindering the industry and suggest changes for improved workforce development;
- identify and promote existing solutions that are working well, and
- identify policies for workforce development through education, professional development, HR management and migration.
The taskforce will carry out the research projects over the course of this year. A report on the findings will be finalised by the end of 2010.
The Australian National Engineering Taskforce is a partnership between the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia, Engineers Australia, Consult Australia, the Australian Council of Engineering Deans and the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
For further information about Australian National Engineering Taskforce research projects, visit www.anet.org.au.
Deputy Prime Minister’s Press Office: 02 6277 7758 or media@dpm.gov.au
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