Two young engineers have seen their studies shift from the classroom to the production line thanks to a successful UQ industry placement program.
Fourth year students Ben Brooks and Chris Conway are working at Volvo’s Wacol truck manufacturing facility for their Professional Engineering Placement Semester, otherwise known as PEPS.
The program allows students to hone their knowledge and skills in the workplace while working on research which counts towards their degree.
Mr Conway’s project involves analysing the assembly line process and developing ways to make it more efficient.
“This is great as it has not just been a theoretical exercise, I have actually seen my designs and methods built, installed and implemented,” he said.
The Brisbane factory was the second Volvo outfit globally to make the change, with Mr Conway’s research leading the way.
Mr Brooks said his project – which looked at improving a paint shop process – had allowed him to move outside his mechanical and space engineering specialisation to develop other skills.
“I think it is vitally important that all graduates, not just engineers, get the opportunity to work in the field prior to graduating,” Mr Brooks said.
“Communicating on a professional level with people other than your peers is a skill best learnt in the workplace.”
Mr Conway said one of the many advantages of participating in the program was learning to approach challenges in new ways.
“At university when we are given a problem, we know there is a solution and we sit down and figure it out. In the industry, the hardest part I have found is not how to solve a problem but how to identify it in the first place.”
Volvo’s Production Engineering Manager Sergio Kunzel said programs like PEPS were valuable as they benefited both universities and industry.
“It is very important to retain a connection with the academic world, as this connection enables us as to keep up to date with the most recent techniques and knowledge,” Mr Kunzel said.
The School of Engineering has been running similar work experience initiatives since 2000, and has placed over 100 engineering students in 30 different workplaces around the country.
Participants complete a research thesis for academic credit and are supported with a scholarship during the semester.
Individuals and businesses wishing to find out more about PEPS can contact course coordinator Tony Howes on (07) 3365 4262.
Media: James Georgiades at Volvo (07 3258 7545) or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)
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