Source: University of Waikato
Engineering hopefuls, and those looking for a career change, may get an early foot in the door with a new Fast Track graduate programme on offer at the University of Waikato.
Taught through the University’s School of Engineering, the Fast Track programme will enable candidates with relevant degrees and experience to complete a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in a condensed time-frame.
Dean of Engineering at the University, Professor Mark Dyer, says the new programme comes at a critical time when there will be a demand for engineers – particularly civil – in a post-Covid environment.
“This is a timely offering in light of recent world events, with many local industries experiencing significant job losses, while others anticipate a marked increase in workload due to Government investment in infrastructure, including 18 large-scale capital works programmes in the Waikato region,” he says.
“There are many highly skilled and qualified individuals in industries that have been adversely affected by Covid-19. So, for those who might be considering a career change, or have suddenly found themselves out of work, a career pivot to engineering is a smart choice in these unprecedented times.”
Depending on prior qualifications and experience, the Fast Track programme will enable somebody to complete a full-time engineering degree within two years instead of four, starting in July or November this year, or March 2021.
The programme is open to graduates of related degrees, including, but not limited to, earth sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics or computer science. It is also open to those already working in the industry who have completed a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering or Diploma in Engineering and wish to upgrade to an accredited, professional engineering degree recognised around the world.
For those needing to brush up on their physics and math skills before starting the full-time programme, the University is offering two papers in Trimester B (starting July), and over Summer, which can fit around work schedules and be done at either the Hamilton or Tauranga campus, or online.
Professor Dyer says it’s an opportunity to jump into an industry that has huge potential, particularly in the Waikato region.
“The jobs and the industry connections here are unparalleled. Graduates who come through our engineering programme land jobs. And, because of our rigorous work placement programme, they enter the workforce with practical knowledge ready to be applied. This is unmatched elsewhere.”
Professor Dyer says the University has built strong industry partnerships over the years that have led to student and graduate placements in leading companies, like Gallagher, Fonterra, Robotics Plus and OJI.
“New Zealand, and the world, needs more creative engineers. At the University of Waikato, that’s what we do best – we lead the way when it comes to high-tech, innovative solutions to real-world problems.
“Waikato is where the jobs are, and our robust work integrated programme has continued to thrive during lockdown, which is testament to the strength of our relationships with industry. And with the region’s shovel-ready projects in their proposal phase, we’re set to see further growth in the region that will lead to jobs.”
Enrolments for the Fast Track engineering programme are open now, to start in July, November of March 2021.
This unique programme means everyone’s start point will be different. To find out what your Fast Track journey might look like, contact the School of Engineering at the University of Waikato.
