Arnhem Land students given taste of university life

Five Indigenous people from Arnhem Land are being given a taste of university life at the USQ as part of a new initiative aimed at enticing those in remote areas to commence tertiary study.

As part of their time at the University all five will be touring the University's Faculty of Engineering and Surveying tomorrow (Friday November 16 2007).

The group who have been in Toowoomba for the past week, have a specific interest in engineering and so far have not only been given an insight into the courses on offer at the University but have also had the chance to look at local industry.

'This visit was sponsored by Bruce Leslie who is an engineering consultant in Brisbane that has an interest in people from Arnhem Land getting engineering jobs in their community,' USQ senior lecturer in Electronic Engineering David Parsons said.

'Bruce then approached us here in the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying as he was keen to encourage people from these areas to get engineering qualifications.

'By coming to Toowoomba it opens their eyes to the world of engineering industry and also allows them to do computer and introduction to university courses.'

Assistant to the Director of Indigenous Education at USQ Ron Hampton said that the initiative was opening up a whole range of opportunities for the participants.

'This is establishing a potential pathway for those who take part,' he said.

'The first stage was to bring potential students into the University and also give them some work experience in the industry.

'So far they have been shown around the University as well as the foundry, have talked to Main Roads and will also get to see the Tarong Power Station.'

More visits are planned to the University in the future, with USQ interested in hosting other visitors from Arnhem Land.

'It is something that only started this year, so it is a new initiative that we are supporting,' Mr Parsons said.

'Ultimately we want to get to the point where we are offering a scholarship for Indigenous engineering.'

The five people will be touring the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying tomorrow between 10am and 12pm.

Media are welcome to attend.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628