ABB Australia is proud to announce its sponsorship support for the successful Galuwa Engineering Experience program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students, presented by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
The three-day program ran from July 10-12, providing 29 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students with the experience of what it is like to study and to discover the wide range of exciting opportunities that exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in engineering.
Students travelled to the UTS campus at Sydney from across NSW, QLD, ACT and VIC in order to participate in interactive hands-on workshops led by the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning are designed to increase interest across a diverse range of engineering fields.
An ABB sponsored Galuwa Graduation Luncheon, held at Sydney Sky Tower on the final day, afforded students an opportunity to hear inspirational talks by Engineering professionals.
“ABB is proud to be involved with this potentially life-changing program,” said Axel Kuhr, country manager for ABB in Australia. “As a global company with a history steeped in engineering innovation, we are confident that proactive initiatives like Galuwa, will help grow the pool of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engineering graduates. These students could be our future colleagues, dedicated to developing sustainable energy solutions for the world, or they could become future customers. Both would be excellent outcomes.”
“ means ‘to climb’ in Gadigal language and this is exactly what UTS and ABB wants Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students to do with this interactive winter program,” said Brigette Sancho, Development Manager for UTS
ABB also contributed to the program by running an interactive session on electric motors and sustainable energy. Students were introduced to the engineering concepts behind these technologies and then had the opportunity to see them in action through practical activities.
The students worked as teams to first build DC electric motors. They then assembled miniature solar cars and operated them using torches. This promoted an appreciation of the practical applications of renewable energy sources.
“We give students a real understanding of the study of engineering and the opportunity to experience what a career in the field may look like,” added Maritiza Messina, Program Manager for .
The sponsorship of the program supports several of ABB’s 2013 Reconciliation Action Plan objectives, which was launched in May 2013. The UTS program not only improves students’ access and awareness about the exciting and fulfilling engineering careers available to them it also aids in building understanding and positive relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people.
ABB has a strong record of making sustainable contributions to improve access to quality higher education and last year committed more than $500,000 to development programs or university facilities across Australia. The goal to help Australian universities develop industry-ready, highly skilled and globally focused graduates.
Historically, ABB has also placed a strong emphasis on research and development. This continues to drive our business today and the ABB Group devotes more than $1 billion to various R&D activities each and every year. Additionally, ABB maintains seven corporate research centers, employs 8,000 scientists and supports 70 university collaborations around the world.
