INFORMATION FOR PARENTS Guaranteeing Futures, in conjunction with the Tasmania Division of Engineers Australia, is offering students in Year 10 (at public schools) the opportunity to explore the engineering profession through a unique industry-linked program that includes (over an 8 month period) group activities for like-minded students and individual placements with mentors in engineering companies and organisations. The Futures in Engineering (FiE) program will provide students with an authentic engineering experience through interacting with a range of engineering professionals, university academics and current engineering students. Students participating in this program will be better informed to take action, make plans and get organised towards engineering career pathways. It is also hoped that students will be more inspired to continue with studying maths and science in high school and college when they see how such knowledge is used in the real world (and what kind of careers can result). The Student (who should apply): • highly motivated Year 10 students at public schools in Tasmania • demonstrated high level maths/science ability • excellent communication and presentation skills • has a desire to learn more about the engineering profession The Program: Applicants from public schools around Tasmania will short-listed to participate in ‘engineering taster’ days on Thursday March 15 (in Hobart, Burnie, or Launceston). The days will include interaction with local engineers, engaging information on engineering as a career, and fun sessions at local educational institutions. Selection for a Taster Day will be based on the written application (spaces on the day in each region are limited). 32 students will then be selected to participate in the FiE program, based on the written application and informal interviews undertaken on the Taster Days. The full FiE program will begin with a 3 day (2 nights) residential camp in Hobart in early May which will consist of lectures and hands-on workshops in the School of Engineering (University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay campus). Students will also visit leading Hobart engineering companies and observe current projects in a range of engineering disciplines. Students will then be partnered with an engineering company and mentor (generally located in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie or Devonport). The timing of placement days will be negotiated between the engineering company and the school to ensure students access the best possible learning outcomes in the workplace but should total between 5 10 days, spread over the year from June to October, at times of mutual convenience to the student and mentor. Education Department staff will arrange first meetings between the students, mentors and parent(s) in May and June 2012. Parents will be responsible for ensuring that students are able to travel to the mentors’ workplace for the placements. In Term 3 students will visit the Australian Maritime College to give a broader overview of the diverse paths available within engineering. This residential is planned for October (dates TBC) and ends with a celebration Futures in Engineering: Inspiring Year 10 students with authentic experiences in industry