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A group of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences students in The Civil Society (TCS) student club were recently given a unique opportunity to visit the new Woodside headquarters building currently being constructed by Multiplex for AAIG as part of the Capital Square development.

The group were accompanied by The Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (EMS) Associate Dean of Community and Engagement, Brian Haggerty, who is on secondment at UWA from Innovation Capability at Woodside.

The visit enabled students to gain valuable insight into authentic construction processes from Multiplex, a leading international contractor with expertise in the Engineering and Infrastructure sectors.

The Multiplex site team delivered a thorough rundown of the engineering design and structural details for strength and durability, equipping the students with an understanding of professional engineering industry practices for application in the real world.

Mr Haggerty organised the visit to inspire and engage the student group with industry experience.

“Engineering education and theories can be best enhanced with industry engagement and practical guidance to inform innovating thinking and learning processes,” he said.

“This was a first-rate view into what will be an iconic structure in Perth, with the chance to get up close to the site works and even stand on the building summit.”

The visit is one of many industry engagement opportunities offered by the Faculty to help students studying the Master of Professional Engineering (MPE) to build professional engineering skills and learn specific tools and techniques for their specialisation.

Civil Engineering MPE student and TCS president, Mark Machado, said that the visit allowed him to understand how civil engineering theory is put into practice, learning about project management practice related to health and safety, environmental issues and logistics management.

“It was a great opportunity to see what it is like to be a site engineer and how the design translates to construction on a site. Our group gained site experience that they wouldn't be able to gain without this opportunity,” said Mark.

Mr Haggerty believes future visits to different sites across Perth are crucial for preparing students for the workforce, saying “Partners from industry offer valuable lessons which are essential in providing them with authentic engineering experiences. Multiplex and Woodside preparedness to afford students the experience of viewing and interacting at the building site has been a critical learning input”.

Media references

Lauren Humfrey (UWA Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences) (+61 8) 6488 2260