MoU focuses on education

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and Engineers Australia plan to work more closely together to advance the development of better public policy in relation to engineering and technology issues.

Education will be a key focus, with the two bodies agreeing to advance professional engineering education; to promote science, engineering and technology subjects at primary, secondary and tertiary levels; and to increase teacher training of science, engineering and technology.

They have also agreed, where appropriate, to consult and collaborate on joint submissions and responses to government policies and initiatives; seminars or workshops " and preparation of reports " on matters of mutual interest or concern.

Peter Cockbain FIEAust CPEng, President of Engineers Australia, and Dr John W Zillman AO FAA FTSE, President of ATSE, have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to give effect to these agreements.

This replaces the previous MoU, signed in 2000, which superseded an earlier agreement dating from 1986.

"While our education system needs a shift in focus to 'make-ready' students for technologists and engineering careers, there is also scope for close collaboration between ATSE and Engineers Australia for the other national interest issues of the nuclear energy review and national water crisis," Cockbain said.

"I believe we now have the opportunity to focus and expand substantially our cooperation on critical national issues, including water recycling, energy policy, infrastructure, natural resources development and national security " as well as in the critically important area of engineering education," Zillman said.

The MoU will see cooperation enhanced by a program of meetings between both presidents and the CEOs and senior staff of both organisations, to upgrade the long-established informal cooperation between them.