EngQuest attracts record numbers for 2013

Engineers Australia’s national outreach program for schools, EngQuest, has hit an all-new record for student participation, attracting more than 50,000 students from over 1500 schools across the country.

EngQuest has been running for 13 years and is the largest engineering initiative for schools in Australia. The program offers curriculum-based resources and support for introducing science-based engineering principles to the classroom in a fun and engaging manner.

“Engineering offers a diverse and rewarding career, and Engineers Australia works hard to attract the best minds to our profession. As part of this, we’re committed to ensuring that young people see engineering as a viable and attractive career option,” said Stephen Durkin, Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Australia.

“In the context of skills shortages seen across Australia in recent years, Engineers Australia is putting its money where its mouth is through direct investment in the future of our children and the future of our profession.

“EngQuest is a practical step to growing interest in science, technology, engineering and maths topics among our young people. If Australia is to successfully transition to a high-tech, high-value economy, it’s critical that we provide our children with the skills to compete in this environment.

“Australia needs long-term growth in the number of secondary students studying mathematics and science subjects to boost entry into tertiary engineering programs. We believe this should be a clear focus of government policy.

“It’s not realistic to think that government will always pick up the tab, and we’re doing our bit to show government that we’re bringing something to the table and making an effort to improve education outcomes.

“The EngQuest program offers a practical solution to addressing skills shortages by encouraging the next generation to become engineers,” said Durkin.