Victoria needs thousands more engineers to meet the state’s infrastructure, clean energy and advanced manufacturing ambitions, Engineers Australia has told a key parliamentary inquiry.
The organisation’s submission to the Victorian Legislative Assembly’s Inquiry into Student Pathways to In-Demand Industries calls for immediate action to lift STEM participation and support pathways into engineering careers.
The call comes as National Science Week celebrates the critical role of STEM in solving real-world challenges, highlighting the importance of engaging young people early in science, technology, engineering and maths.
“Engineering is the backbone of Victoria’s fastest-growing sectors – from renewable energy and infrastructure to advanced manufacturing – yet the state’s talent pipeline is under severe pressure,” said Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Katherine Richards AM CSC.
“Our submission makes it clear: without stronger STEM education, early intervention in schools and targeted support for students, Victoria will fall short of the engineering talent it needs. That will have real consequences for major projects, industry growth and our clean energy transition,” Mrs Richards said.
The Victorian Skills Authority estimates the state needs 28,000 additional engineers by 2034 – almost 40 per cent of the current workforce.
Engineers Australia’s submission recommends five key actions to support Victoria’s engineering workforce:
- Refresh Victoria’s STEM Education Strategy to integrate engineering concepts, boost maths teaching and reflect new edtech and AI-driven learning.
- Lift early STEM education and support for teachers to grow student interest and capability, addressing long-term declines in advanced maths and VCE VET Engineering enrolments.
- Partner with Engineers Australia to deliver a national target of 60,000 additional engineering graduates by 2035, including around 20,000 from Victoria.
- Support lifelong learning and transferable skills, including initiatives like a National Skills Passport to unlock talent already in the workforce.
- Strengthen engineering pathways in regional Victoria, where demand is high but access to training and placements is limited.
Mrs Richards said practical measures like expanding work-integrated learning in regional areas, supporting Victorian Government internships, and backing the extension of the Federal Government’s Commonwealth Prac Payment to engineering students could make a decisive difference.
“Engineering students face the same placement pressures as those in teaching and nursing, yet they’re not eligible for the new $319-a-week Commonwealth Prac Payment. Extending that support would reduce ‘placement poverty’, help students complete their training, and encourage more to consider regional placements,” Mrs Richards said.
“By working together – government, industry and educators – we can lift student engagement, support career pathways, and build the diverse and highly skilled workforce Victoria needs to thrive. Science Week is a timely reminder that inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers starts in the classroom – and ends in the communities that rely on their skills.”
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