Queensland’s peak resources sector body has welcomed news of a record number of engineering graduates in 2010 from the University of Queensland’s engineering faculty. 

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Michael Roche said the industry was relying on an increasing supply of graduates into the sector to support its continued growth, as well as the development of new and emerging industries. 

‘Of the 525 engineering students who graduated from UQ this year, many will go on to make their mark in the state’s increasingly diverse resources sector,’ said Mr Roche.

‘The majority of these students attained qualifications in disciplines relied on heavily by the minerals and energy sectors, such as mining, environmental, metallurgical, chemical, civil, mechanical, mechatronics and electrical engineering.

‘With the anticipated growth and diversification of the sector in the coming years, there will continue to be many exciting and varied opportunities for young engineers who will play a vital role in the sustainable development of the industry and Australia. 

‘It is also very pleasing to see a record 58 mining engineers graduate from the university this year.’ 

One such graduate is 21-year-old Sophia Johnson who will soon make the move from Brisbane to Mount Isa where she will put her skills to practice in one of the world’s biggest underground mines after accepting a position in the renowned Xstrata graduate program. 

‘The mining industry is such an interesting industry that provides many different challenges every day,’ said Sophia.

‘I’ve always loved mathematics and physics.

 ‘Mining engineering allows me to utilise these skills in a challenging environment and I love that idea.’ 

Sophia is one of 23 students supported by the QRC Student Ambassador Program, which was launched in 2005 as part of QRC’s strategy to encourage more young engineers and scientists to the resources sector. 

In 2006, QRC launched its Women in Resources Action Plan (WRAP), which is working to increase the proportion of women in non-traditional roles, such as engineering, in the industry. 

‘While we are very pleased to see a record number of engineers entering the workforce from UQ, it is also encouraging that 19 per cent of these graduates are women,’ said Mr Roche. 

‘This represents an increase in female participation rates in engineering from previous years.’

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