Opening Doors to an Engineering Career
St Joseph's Regional College, Port Macquarie, Year 10 student Esther Cummins was offered a wonderful opportunity to attend the University of Sydney Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES). (15-22 January 2023)
Congratulations to St Joseph's Regional College, Port Macquarie, Year 10 student Esther Cummins on being selected to participate in the University of Sydney Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES).
Esther was one of only 25 students selected Australia-wide to participate in this annual event that ran from 15-22 January.
‘Esther continues to be a strong young Aboriginal leader and is well-deserving of this opportunity,’ said Indigenous Education Worker Carly Taylor.
Engineering Aid Australia established and funded the Indigenous Australian Engineering School in 1996 to provide exciting hands-on learning and cultural experiences.
Esther was immersed in learning tasks such as designing a floating house and a new tourist attraction for Goat Island on Sydney Harbour. She experienced the Sydney engineering marvels first-hand by climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and exploring the design strategy for the Opera House.
During the truly unique experience, Esther networked with major Engineering companies. She witnessed Australia’s leading-edge technology, such as the world's first robotic system that organises and checks gas cylinders for defects and the world-class Crashlab that researches road and passenger safety.
Esther was awarded ‘The Hon RJL (Bob) Hawke Capacity for Leadership Award,’ an award that recognises contributions made by the recipients during the Summer School and within their respective communities.
Esther has qualified for an Engineering Aid Australia Continuing School scholarship to help with education expenses from Years 10 to 12. Esther will be eligible for an Engineering Aid Australia Tertiary Education Scholarship.
Esther displayed her leadership skills when she gave a speech on behalf of the group at Admiralty House to the Governor General, who is Engineering Aid's patron.
‘I learnt so much at this camp and got to meet so many people and learn from their experiences in their various fields of engineering,’ said Esther.
We commend Esther for her excellent participation in this highly regarded program and wish her the best in her studies.