IPWEA Resource - Cadetship Best Practice

There is a perception across Local Government in NSW regarding the sustainability of the Public Works Engineering Profession in relation to the diversity, age, experience and qualifications of the workforce. This perception is that there:

Is scarceness of female engineers within the profession;
Is a shortage of skilled engineers joining and remaining within Public Works;
Is an increasing average age of the profession and there are difficulties associated with knowledge being transferred and remaining within the industry;
Are difficulties attracting qualified professionals to live and work in rural/regional communities;
A gap between the academic knowledge and skills gained in university degrees versus the practical experience and ability required to work in the industry; and
Is a lack of awareness of Public Works as a potential career path for future engineers.

The Young Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (YIPWEA) is a sub-organisation of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) and is made up of professionals which advocate on behalf of its young members. YIPWEA are adamant that one of the most effective strategies to address these challenges is to raise and nurture highly-valued and skilled younger professionals from within local communities. At an individual level, a properly structured and supported cadetship program can offer the opportunity for younger generations to achieve professional qualifications - all whilst earning a wage and contributing to, and maintaining, a connection with their community. At an industry level the result is a suitably qualified and experienced engineer that has a passion for public works and a firm understanding of the needs of local communities and the infrastructure required to support them.
This document outlines the importance of encouraging cadetship programs in local government and serves as a guide for 'best practice' for implementing and running them.
An engineer who has undertaken a well-managed cadetship program will possess:

A recognised Australian tertiary engineering qualification;
Years of industry relevant work experience beyond what other graduate engineers may attain;
A tailored skill set to work in the Local Government and Public Works Industry; and
A passion for delivering quality services and infrastructure for local communities.