Visiting university students gain expert insight into future careers

Gaining real-world insight into how to utilise their degree after graduation, 38 engineering students from the University of Queensland this morning toured the Tannum Sands Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said Gladstone Regional Council welcomed the students and were excited to engage with the University of Queensland and the engineering faculty.

“The Gladstone Region is committed to developing and innovating within the energy sectors, so it is great to bring those who may work in that space in the future to our region,” Councillor Burnett said.

“The students were provided with information on the opportunities they will be exposed to within the water industry, and, how they have a real opportunity to make great technological changes, not only for the community of today, but also for the future.”

Cr Burnett said the students were tasked with challenging the thinking of today’s engineers and asked to look for alternate options to provide cost-effective, resource-efficient and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment options. 

“The students were given an overview of our community and insight into the opportunities to further their careers within this industrial sector,” he said.

Cr Burnett said he is pleased Council could facilitate this visit and highlight the operations of our facility.

“Council and the Gladstone Region at large holds significant influence for chemical engineers within Queensland, due to the varying industrial opportunities located within the region.”

The students also visited Santos’s GLNG site to gain an understanding of the local gas industry.