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Monash engineers in demand

2 November 2005

Monash-trained engineers exceed the national average in securing employment in their chosen field, a survey has revealed.

The survey, by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia, found that just over 87 per cent of Monash engineering students who graduated in 2003 and 2004 had found suitable employment -- well above the national average of 82 per cent.

Association chief executive officer Mr John Vines said Monash's reputation helped graduates get jobs.

"The Monash engineering degree is recognised as a good, practical degree," Mr Vines said. "The high employability of Monash-trained engineers reflects the fact that the university's graduates are job-ready."

Dean of Engineering Professor Tam Sridhar said the demand for Monash engineering graduates was welcome recognition of the contribution the university's young engineers could make to national prosperity.

Mr Vines said industry demand for women engineers was growing, with female graduates being generally better paid than their male counterparts.

The survey found annual starting salaries for women engineers ranged from $38,000 to $56,000 compared with $36,697 to $53,000 for men.

"There is a strong level of demand for women engineers in numerous sectors including environmental, chemical and civil engineering," he said.

"It is a very positive sign that should encourage more women to consider engineering as a career choice."

The study showed that environmental engineers had the highest employment rate -- just under 96 per cent -- of all other engineering disciplines including civil/structural and electrical engineering.