Demand for Engineering and Surveying programs increases

As demand for engineers and workers in the mining and construction industries reaches new heights, applications for engineering programs at the University of Southern Queensland are following the trend.

Across the faculty applications to study in semester two are up by 46 percent on 2007 with an increase of 165 applications.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Surveying Professor Frank Bullen said the statistics reflect the demand for programs that offer flexible study modes.

'There is an increase in people going to a job and when they study with us they can take their degree programs with them,' Professor Bullen said.

'Demand for workers outside the city has increased so more people want to study remotely. We fill that need.'

Provision of a range of degree programs to suit different levels of experience is also an advantage.

'USQ offers a spectrum of integrated programs from the Associate Degree in Engineering through to a PhD so students can start at any level and finish at any level. We give them that flexibility.'

Spatial Science programs are in high demand, with the Bachelor of Spatial Science Technology up 300 percent, climbing from seven to 21 applications and the Bachelor of Spatial Science increasing 200 per cent, from 10 to 22 applications.

The results reflect the demand for engineering and surveying graduates, particularly in rural areas.

A report released on Tuesday by Graduate Careers Australia found engineers in regional areas earn an average of $3200 more each year than their city counterparts.

Professor Bullen said this is not surprising with the current mining and resources industry boom.

'It is expected. The engineering development and the mining resources development has drawn engineers out of local council and construction industries.

'The construction industry can't get people, the government can't get people.'

Professor Bullen predicts the situation will continue until supply can meet demand.

'It will continue in the short term until supply catches up with demand, that will probably be in about three to five years.'

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559