Plans by the University of Canberra to offer a new degree in civil engineering have moved a step closer.

 

In June last year Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker announced the University’s intention to offer the degree from 2014 if a $5 million funding target is reached.

 

The Bachelor of Civil Engineering in Urban Engineering and Infrastructure will complement the University’s existing suite of disciplines in the built environment, including architecture, urban and regional planning and building and construction management.

 

It has now been revealed that the University has already received pledges totaling more than $1.78 million towards the degree, with ACTEW Corporation coming on board as the major contributor, pledging $1.2 million over six years.

 

“We are delighted to have this extensive industry support,” Professor Parker said.

 

“There is a real need for this degree to help address the skills shortage of engineers that exists not just in Canberra but nationally as well.”

 

The other founding partners are the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority pledging $250,000 over five years, Indesco committing $180,000 over six years and the Master Builders Association of the ACT Skills Centre Building Fund Authority pledging $150,000. The University is also close to finalising negotiations with other industry partners.

 

According to the Australian National Engineering Taskforce, approximately 59 per cent of engineering vacancies go unfilled, the highest of any profession. The taskforce claims Australia needs to produce 105,000 engineers over the next five years.

 

The new degree will be the first of its kind in Australia focusing on urban engineering and infrastructure.