New Zealand Council of Engineering Deans

Interaction with Industry and Business

An Engineering Education sector equips graduates to contribute significantly in the engineering and business sectors of the economy.   It is thus essential that a close relationship is maintained with employers of engineering graduates.   This will lead to a better understanding of their expectations and an appreciation by industry and business  of the strengths and weaknesses of the Engineering Education sector.

Interactions should include:

  • Active liaison committees in each institution including industry and business representation on Faculties and curriculum committees
  • Appointment of Adjunct Professors from employers to give specialist lectures that can be recorded and repeated in other institutions
  • Identifying relevant industry and business groups and keeping them informed with a regular newsletter
  • Encouraging industry to provide projects for final year students.   “Bottom drawer” ideas that could be developed would be ideal
  • Building better relations with IPENZ and ACENZ, working more closely with engineering ITO’s and developing contacts with business development groups
  • Reminding the engineering industry of the need for students to undertake practical work as part of their degree programme and of the benefits that can accrue to industry by so doing
  • Making greater use of Technology New Zealand, TIF and other funding opportunities to enable joint work on projects than can lead to commercially viable goods and services