1. USC Engineering Learning Hub Education Investment Fund (Regional Priorities Round) Professor Mike Hefferan Pro Vice-Chancellor Engagement 14 November 2013

2. USC Engineering Learning Hub Education Investment Fund (Regional Priorities Round) Brief description Structure Project / management Key strategies/ alignment Early development /concepts Current status Opportunities/ Issues

3. Engineering Learning Hub A state-of-the-art engineering facility, centred around a visualisation theatre, and associated teaching and research infrastructure at Sippy Downs. $37.2m program of work of which $30m EIF RPR funding

4. Why engineering at USC? 1. Wider Sunshine Coast economy dependent on engineering. rise of professional services 2. Significant engineering skills shortages across Australia, Queensland and Sunshine Coast 3. Likely to be exacerbated mining, retirement of existing engineers and expanding engineering areas 4. Relied on migration to supplement supply, need for Australia to re-invest in education and training.

5. Key strategies as outlined within USC-DIISRTE EIF RPR Funding Agreement 2013 1. Constructing and fitting out new infrastructure 2. Advancing blended learning at USC (high end simulation and visualisation based learning, and innovative learning/social spaces) 3. Enhancing student pathways from schools and TAFE to USC 4. Contributing to improved community awareness and understanding of STEM

6. Some context / history A recognition of importance of professional degrees e.g. engineering High development region Establishment/relocation of a number of engineering firms in region Recognition of regional development strategy of professional services Desirable base for consultant engineers into local, national, international markets

7. Some context / history A recognition of importance of professional degrees e.g. engineering High development region Establishment/relocation of a number of engineering firms in region Recognition of regional development strategy of professional services Desirable base for consultant engineers into local, national, international markets Establishment of engineering degree very well supported by local engineering firms /through scholarships, placements followed by employment Strong, externally focussed academic leadership Good existing links with high schools and TAFE Support by USQ Detailed research project for Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay region on Engineering skills and future demand (2009)

8. Program Management Approach Governance and management framework (two levels: governance, and management and operations) Four interrelated projects within whole of work Engineering Learning Hub Program (four projects reflect four key strategies) First USC project to adopt program management approach from the outset Integration of project outcomes into normal USC operations

9. Program governance Program Leader (DVC) Program Governance Group Program management and operations Vertical and horizontal integration of projects is critical Program Manager Project Leaders and Project Managers Group For each of the four projects: Project Leader (e.g. PVC-CS for Infrastructure Project) Project Manager Project Team

10. Program Status Infrastructure Project Completed design Stage 1 Early works package: remote Engineering Structures Learning Lab, contractor appointed 31 October with 20 week construction program Stage 2 Major works package: Engineering Learning Hub, tender process (4 November) with contractor to be appointed by 20 December Occupation of building: 30 April 2015

11. Program Status Visualisation and Blended Learning Project Visualisation development and procurement process Includes curriculum mapping: review of Civil and Mechanical Engineering courses, a week by week analysis to discover software domains e.g. disaster management modelling Collaboration with external partners USQ (visualisation facility at Toowoomba) and UNSW School of Mining Engineering curriculum development and professional development Industry partners e.g. Weir Minerals Multiflow opportunities for collaboration

12. Program Status Program Articulation and Student Pathways Project Delivery of Integrated Learning Engineering Program (in conjunction with Construction Skills Qld) since 2009 Engagement with secondary schools, WBIT, SCIT and SBIT Community Engagement STEM Project Expand USC engagement and build on outreach activities with school communities, relevant industries/professions and community organisations

13. Issues Cuttting through the spectacular (not being captivated by the technology but focus on the real offer) Critical need for demand analysis (working backwards reverse engineered) On going sustainability of engineering base and emerging opportunities

14. Opportunities To be immersed in something which is highly experiential (nothing like being there) Provides a platform (initially for engineering) for others over time i.e. remote sensing, GIS, flood and recovery, adaptation from military to civilian use, disaster management anything needing physical simulation

15. In summary On the face of it, this is about: A physical asset and state-of-the-art equipment is at the core of such a project It will provide the focus of new high profile approaches to teaching and learning and research Provides a visual/experiential approach in this case, based on engineering Less obvious, but equally important: Ensuring that the facilities fit for purpose and merges/integrates with likely future offers not just for USC but its wider stakeholders/partners Success in such an innovative project is based on its upfront planning and stakeholder management.