Strengthening links in Gladstone

UQ chemical engineering students gained exposure to Gladstone’s major process industry sites and potential future employers through a recent visit to the regional centre.

The 130 second year students toured several major companies including Queensland Alumina Limited, Boyne Smelters Ltd, Rio Tinto, Alcan Alumina Refinery, Cement Australia, Queensland Energy Resources, NRG Gladstone Operation Services and Gladstone Port Corporation.

Head of the UQ School of Chemical Engineering Professor Paul Lant said the trip achieved its dual aims of exposing students to Gladstone’s industry and forming better links between UQ and key companies.

“Gladstone is an area of importance in chemical engineering so the trip was a practical way for students to learn more about their future career options and meet industry representatives,” he said.

“This is the first time we have organised such a trip and due to its success, we aim to make this an annual event.

“The Gladstone trip is another example of the practical experiences UQ engineering students gain, which is backed up by a solid theoretical foundation.”

Queensland Energy Resources Pty Ltd community relations advisor Vesna Rendulic said the company was pleased to act as a host.

“We took this as an opportunity to showcase who we are and what we do, the reasons why we are developing Queensland’s shale oil resources, and the future career and employment opportunities we will be able to offer to UQ students as our industry evolves,” Ms Rendulic said.

A UQ chemical engineering alumni event, held in conjunction with the tour, attracted over 20 Gladstone-based alumni to network with industry figures and UQ students and staff.

Media: Professor Paul Lant, Head of the School of Chemical Engineering, on 3365 4728; Abby Campbell at the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology on 07 3346 7696 or abby@uq.edu.au.