Win with Andy

There has been a lot of talk recently about a skills shortage in Australia and the need to encourage students to take up technical vocations and professions.

In support of this need, the organisation Engineers Australia
is taking an innovative approach, as Jim Linton VK3PC reports.

"As in many marketing or public relations exercises, the use of a celebrity can dramatically lift the profile and news-worthiness of a campaign, and Engineers Australia has enlisted astronaut Dr Andy Thomas.

Himself an engineer, Dr Thomas KD5CHF/VK5MIR is giving Australian primary and secondary school children the chance to win a souvenir of the space shuttle's mission STS-114, due for launch in about eight weeks time.

He will take seven solid silver flight medallions into space aboard the shuttle Discovery. After the flight Dr Thomas will award a medal to a school student from each Australian state, who will be chosen from a competition run by Engineers Australia.

Students aged between 10 and 18 years entering the competition will write a 750 word response to the question: "Why is studying maths and science important to Australia's future?''

Entries close on the 18th April, will be judged by Engineers Australia, and Dr Thomas will choose the final winners and announce them while in space from the shuttle Discovery.

More information and an entry form is available via email to
andythomasmedal@engineersaustralia.org.au

Jim Linton VK3PC

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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