News Archive

In a major sponsorship agreement, Monadelphous will become UWA’s leading partner in the creation and continuing operation of a cutting-edge world-class education facility known as the “Monadelphous Integrated Learning Centre” (Monadelphous ILC). Monadelphous ILC will provide a unique environment for undergraduate students, one that supports project-based learning, collaboration, leadership and innovation.
Professor Mark Bush said, “The creation of the Monadelphous ILC accompanies major changes to the engineering course that recognise the need to maintain and further develop a range of professional skills in our graduates, whilst continuing our strong focus on technical skills. The Centre will also provide invaluable additional work spaces for our students modelled on the professional environment”.

Monadelphous is a leading engineering organisation providing extensive construction, maintenance and industrial services to the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors throughout Australia. Monadelphous has been operating for over 30 years and has a reputation for the safe and reliable delivery of major multi-disciplinary services to its clients.

Monadelphous Chairman, Mr John Rubino said “We view the learning centre at UWA as a practical solution to help meet the increasing demand for engineers by ensuring that the next generation of graduate engineers are as job-ready as possible.

The current resources boom is providing Western Australia the chance to be involved in a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to participate in projects that will shape the Australian and global economy for decades to come.

Resources are the life blood of Western Australia so we need to act now to secure the future of our State. Investing in educational centres like this one at UWA is a sensible commercial decision for companies who are working in this sector”.

The operation of the Monadelphous ILC will dramatically increase the involvement of industry partners in developing our ‘engineers-in-training’. This involvement will cross all disciplines and years of study and it will also allow for a major expansion of project based learning, an example of which is the highly successful ‘UWA Motorsport’ project. Professor Bush said, “The Motorsport project is a wonderful example of an integrated learning experience. A team of UWA students annually design and build a Formula SAE racing car, managing and promoting the project in partnership with industry sponsors.”
Commencing operations in mid 2009, Monadelphous Integrated Learning Centre will be located in the heart of the engineering precinct at UWA. It will mimic the industry workplace and include workspaces and offices suitable for team-based project work and interaction with industry mentors and project leaders. The Centre also includes design, manufacturing and prototype testing areas, presentation facilities and meeting areas for team interactions. The operation and management of the Centre will be largely controlled by the students themselves, giving them ownership and pride in the new facility.

Professor Bush said “The stand-out feature of our interaction with Monadelphous is the support of senior executives Mr John Rubino and Mr Robert Velletri (Managing Director). They are committed to The University of Western Australia producing graduate engineers prepared for immediate employment in today’s dynamic and challenging engineering workplace.”

The partnership with Monadelphous follows closely on the heels of a leadership gift by Dr Harold Clough, who shares in the vision to create these innovative facilities. Dr Clough’s confidence in the project, expressed through his generous donation, has been a major factor in bringing other industrial partners on board.

On 6 December 2007 at a signing ceremony in the Prescott Room at UWA Mr John Rubino and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Robson signed the UWA - Monadelphous Sponsorship Agreement for the naming rights of the Monadelphous Integrated Learning Centre. The ceremony was attended by other prospective business partners and a strong showing from Monadelphous senior executive team.

The University welcomes enquiries from other industry partners wishing to be involved in this and future initiatives of the Faculty.

Media references

For further details please contact the Dean , Faculty of Engineering,
Computing and Mathematics on (61-8) 6488 3704.