The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) partnered with Risepoint to create one of Australia’s most industry connected engineering learning experiences, bringing employers directly into the design and validation of its Master of Engineering programs in Civil, Mechanical, Renewable Energy and Project Management.
That commitment came to life at UniSC’s engineering industry summit held at the Sippy Downs campus in mid-2025. Engineers and project leaders from across the Sunshine Coast and Southeast Queensland joined UniSC academics and Risepoint colleagues to articulate what the next generation of engineers must know, do and understand to thrive in real project environments.
Industry voices set the tone. Dr Rickey Donald from Veolia captured the heart of modern engineering when he said: “The technical side of engineering is just the beginning. The ability to manage clients, identify opportunities and solve problems in real time is what sets master’s graduates apart.” Leaders from Javelin Aerospace reinforced the need for strong team capability and adaptability. “We are looking for engineers who can grow within a team, communicate across disciplines, and help us scale both technology and culture,” said Novelle Neoh.
Others pointed to the future of digital engineering. “The challenge today is not just using AI, it is using it well. Graduates who can help businesses move from ad hoc tools to a coherent, strategic approach are the ones who will lead us into the next era of engineering,” noted Neeraj Chadee. In advanced manufacturing, the message was similar. “Automation and AI are removing 90 percent of the repetitive workload in machining, but that does not mean less is required of graduates – it means more,” shared Dominic Vrolijks from the Sunshine Coast Maker Space. GHD’s Jenny Gough emphasised the enduring importance of human judgement: “You cannot learn how to think critically from a machine. We need future engineers who combine new technologies with practical judgement.”
These insights translated directly into program improvements. Industry participants outlined the technical, commercial and interpersonal skills students need, highlighted discipline-specific priorities across civil, mechanical, renewable and project management streams, and identified opportunities for guest lectures, site visits and co-designed assessments.
The workshop built a clear roadmap for a curriculum that reflects current engineering practice, not assumptions about it.
The strength of UniSC’s industry relevance is further demonstrated through its Master of Engineering Project Management, which holds endorsement from the Australian Institute of Project Management, the national peak body for the profession. UniSC is the only university offering an engineering-focused project management master’s endorsed by AIPM as at November 2025. This endorsement assures students and employers that UniSC’s program aligns with nationally recognised professional standards and is especially valuable in a sector facing rising demand for project capability and significant infrastructure growth across Queensland in preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
For UniSC, these initiatives reinforce its position as a university deeply connected to industry needs and aligned with regional priorities. The collaboration supports accreditation readiness, strengthens student recruitment and elevates UniSC’s reputation among employers seeking graduates who can contribute from day one.
For students, the impact is immediate and practical. They gain a curriculum shaped directly by employer expectations, exposure to real projects and contemporary engineering challenges, and the advantage of graduating with a qualification aligned to national professional benchmarks. With global demand for project professionals projected to reach 30 million by 2035, UniSC’s engineering graduates enter the workforce with clarity, confidence and a competitive edge.
This partnership reflects the Risepoint mission to expand access to affordable, high-quality education that leads to meaningful career outcomes. By placing industry at the heart of program design and securing independent professional validation, Risepoint helps partners deliver programs that remain relevant, future focused and grounded in real workforce needs. UniSC’s engineering students now learn in a program shaped by the very leaders who will hire them, and employers gain graduates ready to meet the opportunities and challenges of modern engineering.
