Australian engineering firms face a growing skills gap, leaving them with a shortage of qualified professionals. To address this challenge, Soto Consulting Engineers has developed a unique traineeship program, preparing the next generation of engineers for successful careers.

From dealing with geopolitical threats to unprecedented climate challenges, engineers will be at the heart of designing and developing the processes, products, and technologies that underpin Australia’s security and prosperity. Rapidly developing technology, environmental and political change, and a growing population with ever-pressing needs for energy, water, transport, and more are driving growing demand for engineers. 

Yet, according to the latest research by peak professional body Engineers Australia, the skills shortage is at its worst level in more than a decade. “Even though the number of qualified engineers has increased significantly between 2016 and 2021, the demand continues to outpace supply, growing three times faster than the general workforce,” the report says. 

Producing more qualified engineers through an effective education and training pipeline is a much-discussed part of the solution. Yet, many in the industry recognise a hurdle in the traditional engineering pathway: where graduates need time to convert their mostly theoretical and basic practical skills into an effective skillset for understanding and solving problems in real-world applications. 

For SOTO, addressing that gap has meant being willing to take a different approach, combining work and learning through traineeships. Through a traineeship, students combine university or TAFE study with part-time work. 

The traineeship extends the time needed to complete their degree or diploma but has them doing valuable hands-on work from an early stage. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing the next generation of engineers for successful careers.

Lead Mechanical Engineer Braeden​​​​ Wilson said many of his university peers found work as engineers in project and asset management, making it difficult to find design engineers and engineering design draftspeople. 

“In addition to providing Engineering and design detailing to our clients, trainee engineers and draftspersons are exposed to technically complex, large-scale projects, which is truly fantastic for their career development and the development of the industry as a whole.”

Engineering traineeships and workplace support

Jack Cassidy and Brendan Purdon are both Mechanical Engineering Trainees. Both are nearing the final year of their university study and have been working part-time at SOTO. For them, the additional time has been invaluable, providing learning opportunities full-time students might not get. “Despite it taking me an additional year to complete my degree, the two years of practical experience gained, is worth the wait. I feel I am definitely in a much better position than my peers,” Jack says.

Lucas Testa, a Trainee Draftsperson, began his Certificate 4 in Engineering Drafting immediately after high school and is now combining work at SOTO with completing his Diploma of Engineering. 

“I came straight out of school and started working in the drafting team before I even started my TAFE course, which was a real headstart on my learning,” he said. “The program has broadened my understanding of the engineering concepts I learn in TAFE.”

Mentoring meets structures learning

SOTO’s approach embeds the trainees on projects alongside more senior engineers and draftspeople. They not only have hands-on experience but also a more complete or rounded experience throughout a project. 

“We get to work on extended projects, gaining a deeper understanding of the entire engineering process,” says Brendan. “At university, they teach us the basics, but it’s in isolation, without the context of other plant and machinery. Here, we see the implementation, bringing all the pieces together and understanding the need to be versatile. You learn to adapt to the client’s needs or other circumstances.”

The program also equips trainees with industry-specific software skills often lacking in university curriculums. “The traineeship has taught me Inventor and other software that we actually use in the professional setting,” says Jack. “I feel ahead of the game compared to following a traditional university pathway.”

The structured approach is particularly important for draftspeople, whose work relies on a comprehensive understanding of the tools and the problem-solving ability and practical knowledge to get the most out of their application. 

“They start by teaching us the basics,” Lucas says. “Once we understand all that, we start by reviewing previous jobs and looking at the modelling, the techniques, and all aspects. We take that on board and apply it to the project tasks we’re assigned.” 

As the saying goes, there are no such things as stupid questions, only stupid answers. SOTO has long worked to create and maintain an environment where ideas and knowledge are shared freely. The traineeship program goes beyond technical skills development. It fosters a supportive learning environment where mentors can guide trainees.

“The fellow engineers at Soto are very understanding and are great mentors,” Jack says. “They are always willing to explain concepts and further our technical understanding.” Lucas likewise appreciates the combination of mentoring with a structured approach to developing their skills. “I was told from day one to always ask questions. Never be afraid to ask a question.”

Communication is another key focus of the program. “There’s a very open culture here,” says Brendan. “Everyone is willing to share knowledge, and asking questions is encouraged. Collecting all those pieces of information, over time, becomes a good base of knowledge that helps you grow as an engineer.”

Trained and ready

As they each near the final stretch of their current training program, each of the trainees agrees: they feel confident they can do the job. From their practical understanding and their time spent on real-world projects, they each feel they’ve developed the abilities needed to succeed as engineering professionals. 

Alongside Brendan, Jack, and Lucas, SOTO has another three people embarking on engineering drafting traineeships. The willingness to invest time and resources into training means the company has a steady pipeline of skilled professionals who can continue to ensure SOTO continues to be a competitive and highly capable engineering design consultancy. 

Lead Mechanical Engineer Braeden​​​​ Wilson said two critical, yet difficult-to-teach skills were attention to detail and the willingness to ask questions. 

“It is critical for both engineers and draftspersons to pay close attention to detail so that they can be precise and accurate,” he says. “We pair the trainees with some of our most senior draftsperson and engineers so that they can learn this skill and understand why it is so important.

“Collaboration is critical in an engineering environment. In my team, I highly endorse my trainees to ask as many questions as possible and understand why something is done; there is always someone who knows more or can provide that information. If a trainee can ask a question and admit when they don’t know something, this is a powerful skill.”

For Braeden and SOTO, the investment in training programs is well worth the time and effort. 

“If a trainee is taught by individuals who see the trainee as an asset, who will in time be assisting them, that trainee becomes another set of hands or another brain or another set of eyes for that manager or trainer. If we teach them to want to understand, they become individuals who provide great work and who can be a massive benefit to the business.”