La Trobe degree supports skilled migrant engineers

La Trobe University’s Department of Engineering will welcome 30 students this month as part of its Industry-Integrated Master of Engineering program. The students, predominately overseas qualified engineers, will undertake the one-year course to upskill for the Australian job market.

Professor Hossam Aboel Naga, Head of the Department of Engineering, said the new course addresses a paradox in the engineering industry, with many qualified engineers unable to find work.

“Despite a high demand for engineers in Australia, many skilled migrant engineers find themselves without employment. In fact, only 50% of skilled migrant engineers in Australia are employed in engineering roles,” Naga said. “In response, we have developed a course in partnership with Engineers Australia to help bridge this gap. La Trobe’s Industry-Integrated Master of Engineering is specifically designed to enhance the qualifications of overseas-trained engineers in Australia.

“The program blends academic learning with practical industry experience. Course content addresses the unique challenges migrant engineers encounter in the Australian job market and all participants undertake 800 hours of work placement, where they gain practical experience and contribute to genuine engineering projects.”

Naga said the initiative underscores the School’s commitment to reshaping the employment landscape for engineers in Australia.

“We want to ensure that skilled migrant engineers are effectively integrated into our workforce by closing the current skills gap and connecting them with industry partners,” he said. “We are excited to welcome our inaugural cohort and look forward to supporting them to find work.”

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