Some of the brightest students from all over the world are competing for engineering glory at the Formula SAE-A 2017 event at Calder Park.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll visited the competition this morning where he met students from Japan, India, Pakistan and New Zealand, as well as many local students.
The annual event brings together engineering students from a number of universities, providing them with an opportunity to hone their engineering and business development skills.
The competition is run by the Society of Automotive Engineers-Australasia and builds on Victoria’s strong expertise in engineering and commitment to the future of manufacturing and jobs.
The event is also an opportunity to highlight the ongoing work in the transport manufacturing industry, which employs close to 30,000 Victorians after the closure of passenger car manufacturing in Australia.
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting manufacturing and engineering through the Advancing Manufacturing Statement – A Blueprint for the Future, which focuses on creating jobs, helping businesses to grow, strengthening the local supply chain, and fostering a globally competitive business environment.
Around 17,000 people are still employed in the automotive manufacturing sector in Victoria.
Ford will spend around $450 million this year on local research and development, employing around 1,750 designers and engineers.
The Ford Ranger, which was designed and engineered in Victoria, is currently exported to around 180 markets worldwide.
Toyota continue to employ more than 1000 people in Victoria and Holden employ more than 600.
The Labor Government is also promoting and linking opportunities for science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates with manufacturers, in partnership with education providers and industry organisations.
For more information about the Statement, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“The Formula SAE-A 2017 brings together some of the brightest engineering minds, and gives us a chance to show off our expertise.”
“There are 283,000 Victorians employed in our manufacturing sector, with almost 40,000 jobs added last year.”
“We’re supporting growth in design and engineering so that we continue to make products that are the envy of the world and create jobs for Victorians.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020