Mechanical Engineering Future Looking Bright

Bianca Anderson has been awarded the Alcoa Future Leaders of Industry Engineering Award. She received the scholarship at the annual Faculty of Science and Technology Student Excellence Awards at Deakin University’s Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds on Thursday 1st May.

Alcoa Future Leaders of Industry Engineering Scholarships target engineering students enrolled in disciplines that are critical to maintaining and growing a world class manufacturing capacity in regional Victoria.  Bianca was awarded the scholarship as a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) student who demonstrates a high level of academic achievement, possesses a high level of communication, team and interpersonal skills.  

Under the scholarship Bianca is awarded $7,000 to go towards her fourth year academic tuition.  She also receives 12 weeks paid work experience at one of Alcoa’s sites in Victoria. 

Currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Engineering, Bianca will be commencing her work experience at Alcoa in late November during semester break.  Although it has not been determined at which site she will be working, Bianca is looking forward to the hands on experience:

“I will get to work in a variety of fields, across a number of different projects.  I will be working alongside professionals and have some small projects assigned individually.  It gives me the opportunity to learn about different aspects of engineering and gain an understanding of engineering principles in practice.  I get the chance to have a taste of everything,” she said.

As well as the practical experience she will gain, Bianca is also looking forward to the working relationships she will form and future possibilities that will open up as a result. 

Engineering and IT Head of School Professor Kate Smith-Miles says the scholarship provides an excellent platform for practical experience:

“The twelve week work placement at Alcoa is a great opportunity for students to apply the knowledge they have learnt at University directly in the field in a practical manner.  Students gain a broad understanding of engineering practices and acquire other skills while undertaking graduate level work.”

“Students are exposed to a variety of opportunities, creating an awareness of different career paths open to them and what future careers in engineering may entail for them individually.”

“Through closely working and interacting with colleagues, informal networks are established which is a great way for students to build contacts and strengthen ties with industry,” said Professor Smith-Miles.