A career in engineering might mean collaborating on how best to manage an oil spill in the ocean or it might mean developing a new way of water filtration for developing countries.
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The myth that engineering was the realm of "men in hard hats" was busted on Wednesday at the Australian Maritime College, with the first Power of Engineering event held in Launceston.
The event, which was held in Hobart on Tuesday, showcased engineering and the diverse careers available to women, with grade 9 students from 10 Launceston schools taking part.
St Patricks College grade 9 students Jamie Duffy and Tori Saltmarsh were working on an exercise where students were tasked with a budget and instructions to build a water filtration system.
However, each student pair represented a different country, with the economic status of each country taken into account.
Miss Saltmarsh and Miss Duffy represented Uganda and as such, had instructions that weren't clear and only limited funds. So, the pair decided to team up with Team Australia, who gave them funds and let them look at their instructions for the filtration system.
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Diversity and inclusion manager Lucy Aird said the event aimed at addressing the gender disparity experienced in the engineering industry across the country.
"We have a lot of infrastructure projects in the pipeline in Tasmania, let alone the country, but we are experiencing a huge gender imbalance," she said.
Mrs Aird, who was integral at attracting the event to Tasmania, said engineering offered a diverse career path and the event targeted grade 9 students who may be starting to think about their career and study options.
Hydro Tasmania chief executive Steve Davy said the energy industry is working towards better balance and has made some inroads in recent years but there is plenty of work left to do.
"We want to ensure aspiring female engineers have a clear and confident career path, and feel appreciated by would-be employers," he said.
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"They need to know that engineering's no longer a boys' club, that a strong career is within their reach, and businesses like Hydro Tasmania will support them."
Power of Engineering President, Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths, said thanks to the partnership with Hydro Tasmania they have been able to bring their signature Power of Engineering events to Tasmania earlier than anticipated.
"We are very excited to challenge the next generation of Tasmanians' perceptions of engineering with the support of Hydro Tasmania," Ms McCarthy-Griffiths said.
Power of Engineering was held at the AMC and the Hydro Tasmania Trevallyn Power Station.
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