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Engineering mentors wanted to nurture future leaders

By intouch * posted 19-09-2019 13:10

  

Young IPWEA has launched the Coffee Cup Challenge, an informal mentor program designed to capture the valuable skills of experienced engineers to assist those starting out in public works.

The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia welcomes the various government, industry and education sector approaches to the serious engineering skill shortage facing Australasia now, with its ramifications for the future supply of adequate infrastructure.

While the sector is in agreement that the necessary broad solutions require policy intervention and a likely reinvention of training and incentives, Young IPWEA (YIPWEA) has launched a support initiative with a back-to-basics personal approach.

“The Coffee Cup Challenge is an informal 20-week program developed to connect young engineers with experienced public works professionals,” said Ben Clark, YIPWEA Chair.

IPWC 2019 Conference

“Young IPWEA members recognise the dedication of engineers who have devoted their long careers to community service, and we know they are always eager to share first-hand knowledge from their time in diverse local government or other infrastructure roles. We aim to tap into these valuable experiences that can’t be learned in a classroom, through the simple act of meeting for coffee.”

There is structure to the Coffee Cup Challenge program, with its participants provided exercises to develop a five-year plan and identify pain points. Real-world engineering case studies, career scenarios and professional development objectives are elements expected to arise during meetings between paired participants.

The opportunity to make lasting productive personal connections is a central part of the process.

“We expect the benefits of the challenge to continue after the program ends, with young engineers having compelling examples of problem-solving to draw on in their work, plus someone to call on for advice in the future. We hope the experienced engineers see the program as a way to give back to their profession at a crucial time in its evolution, while also learning from young professionals,” said Clark.

Registration for the IPWEA Coffee Cup Challenge is now open to all public works professionals. If you are just starting out, or if you have many years of experience, we encourage you to read about the program and download a support pack here.

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