Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, today opened the inaugural National Indigenous Engineering summit at The University of Melbourne.
The summit brought together representatives from industry, professional bodies, education providers and the Aboriginal community to develop strategies to create and support pathways into the engineering profession for Aboriginal students.
Ms Hutchins said the summit was a great opportunity to enable more Aboriginal people to access higher education and employment opportunities within the field.
The summit aims to build on the recent increase of Aboriginal students entering university.
The Andrews Labor Government acknowledges the role higher education plays in ensuring Aboriginal young people can reach their full potential and have the greatest opportunity for a prosperous career.
As an engineer, the most important step after completing study is the ability to get a job. Major infrastructure projects are critical to this.
Ms Hutchins said when an engineering student finishes their study, they should be confident that there is a pipeline of infrastructure work – which the Labor Government has secured in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget.
The strategies and ideas conceived at these workshops will establish a strong foundation for Aboriginal students to secure jobs and make a real difference in their lives.
Further information about the summit can be found at:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins
“Education is the key to success. We are working to open more doors and career opportunities for Aboriginal students.”
“I’m delighted that The University of Melbourne, through the National Indigenous Engineering summit, is encouraging young Aboriginal Victorians to develop a successful future in engineering.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020