The benefits of international industry experience were discussed at a recent seminar delivered by three engineering graduates of The University of Queensland (UQ) and an engineering graduate from Central Queensland University.
E.S. Cornwall Memorial Scholarship recipients Mr Jonathon Dennis, Mr Nicholas Craig, Mr Aidan Roberts and Ms Reena Kwong each received the scholarships in 2008 for overseas industry placements.
The E.S Cornwall Memorial Scholarship provided each recipient with $3000 per month for up to 18 months to pursue a program of work that typically consists of employment with an overseas electricity supply authority, manufacturing company or research organisation.
UQ’s Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE) Professor Tapan Saha said the E.S Cornwall Memorial Scholarship allows students to gain an insight into international engineering practices and to develop skills, which will in turn benefit their employers and the Australian power industry.
“These scholarships provide young power engineers with excellent opportunities to see the world and further their careers,” Professor Saha said.
UQ Electrical Engineering graduate and scholarship holder Mr Aidan Roberts said; “The proposed work plan was designed to give me exposure to key stakeholders within the Electricity Supply Industry in order to appreciate their different perspectives, issues and drivers.
“So far, this has allowed me to work for three different organisations including a Regulator, a Consultancy and a Manufacturer.
“Through my employment gained as a result of the scholarship, I have been lucky enough to work in the United Kingdom, France and Sweden."
Also celebrated at the function were the three recipients of the 2011 E.S Cornwall Scholarship program.
UQ Electrical Engineering graduate Sarah Hiley received the E.S Cornwall Memorial Scholarship; meanwhile two additional E.S Cornwall Industry Scholarships were also presented to UQ electrical engineering graduates Jared McKee and Donald McPhail as a result of generous industry support from Energex and Ergon Energy.
Chair of the E.S Cornwall Memorial Scholarship Advisory Committee and Powerlink QLD Chief Operating Officer, Simon Bartlett said that the principal objective of the scholarship was to enable engineering graduates the opportunity to travel abroad and further their work experiences.
“The E.S Cornwall Memorial Scholarships are open to engineering graduates from any Queensland University and I encourage all eligible graduate students to apply for this fantastic opportunity,” Mr Bartlett said.
Media: Professor Tapan Saha (saha@itee.uq.edu.au or (07) 3365 3962) or Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology: Madelene Flanagan (m.flanagan@uq.edu.au or (07) 3365 8525)
