If you like making things, engineering could be for you
How many different human-made things can you see around you? Have you ever wondered who was involved in creating them?
Pretty much every single one involved an engineer – whether it’s a strong bridge, the delicate electronics in a computer, or the waterproof fabric on your raincoat.
Meet the pros
Here are 4 engineering professionals who got there in completely different ways.
1. Vincent Scott
Job: Head of First Nations and community engagement
Engineering isn’t new for First Nations peoples of Australia. For thousands of years, they have used smart ideas and deep knowledge to care for land and water.
One great example is fish traps, made from stones and natural materials. These traps guide fish but don’t catch them all, helping fish and waterways stay healthy. Fish trap sites were also places where families gathered to share food and stories.
Vince is a Dunghutti man who helps learners explore these designs through DeadlyScience activities that show how science, teamwork, and Caring for Country go together.
2. Kayta Hackman Riley
Job: Software engineer
Some engineers, like Kayta, work entirely in the virtual world. Kayta builds things out of code, using her computer.
Do your parents listen to the news on their phones, or read articles on an app? Presenting the news online is complicated, and Kayta helps make it possible!
Kayta started learning how to code while working full-time in a marketing job.
“My curiosity about how things work led me from marketing into software engineering,” she says.
3. Bardie Somerville
Job: Carpenter
Carpenters, like Bardie, build and repair things made of wood. Carpentry is what’s known as a trade, and tradespeople are an important part of engineering.
“Without trades, the world stops moving,” Bardie says.
Bardie became interested in carpentry when she worked as a labourer. This led her to start an apprenticeship.
“I fired off my first nail gun and that was it,” she says. “I was hooked!”
4. Kirra Randall
Job: Fire artist
Ever seen a cool fire show or fireworks display? Pyrotechnicians and fire artists design events like these and keep them safe.
Kirra is a proud Bundjalung woman whose company takes fire shows around the world.
“Drawn to the element of fire from childhood, I had a deep fascination with the movement of flames,” she says.
Kirra started training with fire down on the Tasman Peninsula at age 11!
Her advice? “Don’t be afraid to be different even if it doesn’t make sense to others.”
Experiment: Build your imagination
Can you imagine a new building or vehicle that would be super helpful? Draw a diagram, plan or blueprint of your creation!
Think like an engineer:
- Include arrows to show how things move
- Use colour coding for different materials
- Include a list of the materials you’ll use
This article was first published in Careers with STEM: Primary was created in partnership with Future You and DeadlyScience.
