Media releases

Federation University Australia will offer a new degree at its Gippsland Campus from next year to help address a serious shortage of qualified electrical engineers in the region.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Information Engineering) Honours Program will produce graduates ready to take on the jobs of the future as the region’s economy transitions away from traditional forms of power generation.

The program responds to industry calls to address the skills shortage and has been designed to meet their current and future needs.

The program was announced today at an industry roundtable hosted by Federation University and attended by Latrobe City Council Mayor Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Australian Carbon Innovation Chief Executive Officer Brian Davey, and incoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Wendy Cross.

With most students who study locally, going on to work locally, Professor Cross said the program will provide a much-needed pipeline of qualified workers for jobs in traditional and new energy sectors, water, construction, and manufacturing.

The four-year degree includes studying of electrical systems, magnetics, power electronics, power transmission and distribution, renewable energy components and systems, and artificial intelligence. Students will complete a minimum of 12 weeks engineering work placement.

As part of the program, Gippsland engineering students beginning their studies in 2022 will be able to apply for an Australian Carbon Innovation scholarship of $7000 to support them through their studies. Eight scholarships are available.

Quotes attributable to incoming Federation University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Wendy Cross

“Industry spoke and we listened. We are working with the engineering sector to build a pipeline of graduates ready to take on the jobs of the future as Gippsland’s economy continues to transition away from traditional forms of power production.”

“Aspiring Gippsland electrical engineers will now be able to study closer to home and with most Federation graduates going on to live and work in regional areas, we’re confident this degree will help address local workforce needs. By partnering with Australian Carbon Innovation through this scholarship, we can support students to be able to focus on their studies as they realise their career dreams.”

Quotes attributable to Latrobe City Council Mayor Cr Kellie O’Callaghan

“Having qualified workers is vital if Council is to succeed in encouraging business expansion and relocation to the Latrobe Valley. “This engineering degree is a great example of what we can achieve when local industries and our local university work together to address skill demands in our region.”

Quotes attributable to Australian Carbon Innovation Chief Executive Officer, Brian Davey

 “We are very proud to be able to partner with our local university to provide a scholarship program to support local students to continue their studies in the Gippsland region.”