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August 14 2007 
The nation-wide shortage of engineers has led to the creation of the Australian Power Academy which encourages under-graduates to pursue a career in power engineering.
The Australian Power Academy is a co-operative venture between leading power companies, universities and the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) to address the growing demand for power engineers in the energy industry.
The virtual Academy will provide financial assistance and support to students who specialise in power engineering during the final two years of their university course.
Australian Power Academy Chairman, Tony Concannon, said the looming shortage of specialist power engineers was an international problem.
“Numerous studies have forecast a shortage of power engineers,” Mr Concannon said.
“It’s pleasing to see a national and collaborative approach between industry, the education sector and institutions to address this issue,” Mr Concannon said.
“The need for highly skilled people will be even more important as new technologies are developed to provide a more sustainable future for the energy industry.”
Mr Concannon said the 18 scholarships being offered nationally for 2007-2008 were designed to attract the highest calibre students into power engineering. The first seven scholarship winners were announced at the Victorian IET annual dinner last week.
As a part of the scholarship package students will receive a bursary/book allowance, funding for university fees and 13 weeks paid industry training/work experience with their sponsoring company.
The Academy has industry and academic partners which will support and finance students in most States.
More than 50 applications have already been received and the selection process is being progressively completed in Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Western Australia.
For more information visit www.poweracademy.com.au
Issued by Hughes Public Relations: contact Jenny Brinkworth on 08 8412 4104 or 0419 808 789.
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