Engineering Education – Can a crisis be averted?

Join us on 30 August 2023 as we delve into the pressing issue of the shortage of professional engineers in Australia and explore strategies to avoid a potential crisis. With the demands posed by the energy transition, digital transformation, infrastructure programs, defence industries, and the booming resources sector, the shortage of engineers is a problem that carries significant social and economic consequences.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the engineering workforce in Australia, we will examine the insights presented in the recent ATSE report titled Our STEM skilled future published in 2022 following extensive research by key stakeholders.

Defining the multifaceted dimensions of this problem is crucial, and the Engineers Australia discussion paper titled Engineering Skills – Supply and Demand, March 2022 provides an excellent flow diagram illustrating the various aspects. However, education represents only one facet of this complex issue. Engineers Australia has conducted extensive research and published An Engineering Recovery Roadmap in August 2022. With the involvement of the ATSE Fellowship, our partnership with Engineers Australia, and our strong connections to industry, the profession, and academia, this symposium aims to contribute current insights to the field of engineering education.

This one day symposium will provide a platform for professionals, academics, researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers to engage in collaborative discussions, share their experiences, and propose innovative solutions. The keynote presentation will provide valuable insights into the current state of the engineering workforce and the potential approaches to address the shortage. The multiple engaging panel discussions will allow diverse stakeholders to explore different perspectives and generate ideas for overcoming the crisis.