Engineers Australia

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport's 24-hour cargo precinct is now open.

Meet Nikiel Govender, this month’s Student Spotlight! 🔦 Nikiel is a student at Curtin University and is tackling a double degree in Mechatronic Engineering (Honours) and Computer Science. A passionate leader and mentor, he is also President of the Engineers Australia Student Chapter at Curtin and tutors primary and middle school students in mathematics. One of his major goals for the future is going into business with a particular focus on STEM education. When asked about this ambition, Nikiel shared: “There's nothing quite like watching a kid get genuinely excited about a problem they thought they couldn't solve. Eventually, I'd love to bring that same energy to a much bigger audience.” Congratulations on all the work you’ve put into supporting the next generation of engineers, Nikiel. We are looking forward to the impact you’ll be making in business, STEM fields and the local community. Read Nikiel’s story here: https://brnw.ch/21x4zl0

Girls are ruling out engineering as a career long before they finish school, with concerning new Federal Government data showing Australia's engineering workforce shortfall begins in the classroom. The latest STEM Equity Monitor (https://brnw.ch/21x4zfj) released this week has revealed just 30 per cent of girls are interested in engineering, compared with 60 per cent of boys, while fewer than half of girls believe they are smart enough to pursue STEM subjects. Our Chief Engineer Katherine Richards AM CSC said the findings are a call to action. “These numbers are troubling because we know girls are more than capable of becoming engineers, but too many decide engineering isn't for them or they aren’t smart enough to pursue it before they even have the chance to discover what the profession offers.” Read the release here: https://brnw.ch/21x4zfk

The latest GenCost report reveals a major shift: double-digit cost reductions mean certain battery storage technologies are now cheaper than gas for supporting renewable energy. According to CSIRO and AEMO, PV solar and onshore wind will remain our lowest-cost new-build tech through 2050, with battery adoption set to rise as costs fall further. Engineers Australia board member Prof. Lachlan Blackhall FIEAust CPEng EngExec notes, “This is a really important and exciting trend in getting towards a future energy system that is decarbonised, but also one that is lowest cost.” Read the full story here: https://brnw.ch/21x4xyy

Chief Engineer Katherine Richards AM CSC was at Parliament House today advocating for members and the profession, presenting to the Select Committee on Productivity Mrs Richards presented the case for a national registration scheme as part of a broader productivity agenda. “A national registration scheme should sit alongside stronger engineering capability in government and a long-term approach to workforce development.” A national scheme would improve productivity by reducing duplication and red tape, strengthen public safety and accountability and support a mobile national labour market. “If Australia is serious about lifting productivity, it must be serious about removing structural barriers that prevent skilled professionals from working efficiently across the national economy. A national registration scheme for engineers is practical and overdue.” Acting Chair, Senator Lisa Darmanin, Senator Corinne Mulholland, Senator Bridget McKenzie

Our new industry survey shows most engineers believe productivity benefits are the most significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their profession. Approximately two-thirds (67 per cent) of poll respondents listed productivity and efficiency as the most notable effect AI was having on engineering today, with four per cent saying the technology was playing a significant role in fostering innovation. Of those, 22 per cent who took the survey reported job disruption as the primary impact of AI, while another seven per cent highlighted security issues as the main concern. Our National President and Board Chair Tom Goerke FIEAust GAICD said AI can help engineers with everyday tasks, streamline processes, and provide them more time for complex work. “The fact that productivity and efficiency benefits for the profession were identified as the most significant impacts of AI underlines the potential of these technologies to support engineers in delivering better outcomes for Australian industries, communities and the economy." Read the release here: https://brnw.ch/21x4xer

It’s time to recognise engineering at its best. From 9–18 September, the Excellence Awards Local Events are held across Australia. Join an evening of celebration, connection and recognition with your local engineering community to honour the standout individuals and teams shaping engineering today. Be there as local winners are announced and national finalists move one step closer to the profession’s highest honour. Join a celebration near you: https://brnw.ch/21x4vJo #EAExcellenceAwards

Our Chief Engineer Katherine Richards AM CSC spoke to the Herald Sun today about the importance of connecting STEM learning to real-world challenges and giving students hands-on experiences so the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators and engineers are inspired to stick with it. Mrs Richards said too many students feel like they're “always in the maths gym and never get to run out onto the pitch”. She said Australia needs around 150,000 more engineers, while 70,000 are expected to retire over the next decade. Without action, our ability to deliver critical infrastructure, strengthen national security and drive economic prosperity will be at risk Read the story here: https://brnw.ch/21x4vwH

From 3D-printed bone to AI-guided radiotherapy, Australian engineers are shifting from replacing damaged tissue with prostheses to helping the body heal itself. Read the full article: https://brnw.ch/21x4vtV

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