Young IPWEA Community Blog

Innovation knows no borders. Around the world, engineers are developing groundbreaking solutions to challenges that Australian and New Zealand communities face every day. From Copenhagen's revolutionary cycling infrastructure to Singapore's cutting-edge water management systems, international projects offer a treasure trove of ideas that can be adapted for our unique contexts. As young professionals, we have the opportunity to learn from global best practices, while considering how these innovations could transform our own communities. Smart Cities Leading the Way Copenhagen's Smart Traffic System Copenhagen has implemented one of the ...

Background Armidale Regional Council faced recruitment challenges in traditionally male-dominated roles. Erin Smidt, Senior People and Culture Business Partner, and colleagues identified that women were an under-tapped half of the potential workforce and began targeted engagement to address the gap. Program Overview: ‘Girls in Civil’ The council partnered with local schools to introduce female high-school students to civil construction and engineering careers through a structured three-day program delivered over consecutive Fridays to an initial cohort of 12 students. Day 1: Site exposure Students toured multiple council sites to see the ...

As public works rapidly evolves, digital fluency is no longer optional, it’s essential. From GIS platforms and IoT sensors to data analytics and cloud collaboration tools, the infrastructure sector is being reshaped by technology. For young professionals, this shift presents a unique opportunity: to step up, skill up, and lead the transformation. By developing key technical competencies, embracing change management, and bridging generational knowledge gaps, you can position yourself not just to succeed, but to drive innovation in how communities are planned, built, and maintained. Upskill for the Digital Future Here are some of the key capabilities ...

Starting your career in public works engineering can feel overwhelming. One day you are completing your final university assignment, and the next you are responsible for infrastructure that serves thousands of community members. Every leader in our industry has walked this same path, and with the right approach you can navigate it successfully too. The Early Years: Building Your Foundation (Years 0–2) Embrace the learning curve Your first role is about more than technical skills, it is about understanding how public works operates in the real world. Every project teaches you something new about community needs, budget constraints, and stakeholder ...