Power industry ignites passion amongst students

Seven engineering students from The University of Queensland (UQ) will receive $8000 over the course of their degrees as a result of bursaries offered by the Australian Power Industry (API).

The API bursaries were awarded to the students in recognition of their academic excellence and strong interest in the power industry.

Professor Tapan Saha from the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering said that UQ was proud to partner with the API in providing the bursaries, which present students with a fantastic opportunity to gain a direct insight into the power sector.

"The API bursaries provide financial assistance and professional work opportunities to students who want to pursue a career within the power industry," Professor Saha said.

The recent presentation of the bursaries to the seven students brings the total number of API bursary holders at UQ to 30- the highest of any Australian university.

The API bursaries were initially established as a means to attract university students to the power industry and to support them throughout the course of their studies.

API is a not for profit national organisation, established by the electricity industry in order to increase the quality and quantity of power engineering graduates.

It is the intention of API to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for a career within the power industry upon graduation.

First year Bachelor of Electrical Engineering student and 2011 API bursary recipient, Lee Clarke said he was very grateful for the opportunities provided by the API bursary.

"In the short period since I was notified of being awarded a bursary, I have secured work placement for the end of year holidays," Mr Clarke said.

"In the future, the API can assist me with course selections to ensure that I'm well prepared at the end of my degree for the many challenges that the energy industry will face as sustainability becomes more prominent."

Media: Madelene Flanagan (m.flanagan@uq.edu.au or 3365 8525)