Makayla Daglish joined the Power of Engineering team as the Engineering In-A-Box Schools Engagement Coordinator in March 2020. She chatted to us about why she is volunteering her time.

Could you tell us about yourself?

I’m a freelance marketing consultant, specialising in strategy, stakeholder engagement, communications and media relations. For the past ten years I have worked in the education and careers sector – a space that I love and hope to remain in for the long haul. That is why I’m incredibly excited to join the Power of Engineering team as the Engineering In-A-Box Schools Engagement Coordinator.  In my spare time you will find me back in my home town of Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula with my Cavoodle Tux exploring great walking tracks or cooking up a storm.

Why did you volunteer with Power of Engineering?

The engagement of schools with industry is vital to the success of any vocational or career program and I have always looked for opportunities in my work to help connect the two. Having worked with founders Felicity and Jillian in the past, I was able to see first-hand the innovative and fresh approach Power of Engineering takes to helping improve access and engagement in real-world STEM learning, which also encourages curiosity. With the role aligned so nicely to my work, skill set and passion for career advocacy, the opportunity was impossible to say no to. 

What would you like to achieve and learn as part of the team?

The success of in-class STEM programs are likely to help persuade governments to invest more heavily in STEM education at all levels in the future, and I feel Power of Engineering can play a vital role in making this happen. On a personal level, I feel I can learn a lot from how Power of Engineering colleagues apply engineering and design principals to their everyday lives. Building STEM skills is certainly not just for those in school.

Why do you think it is important to encourage and rural and remote students to consider engineering careers?

We have faced a lot in such a short time frame, from drought, to bushfires, floods and outbreaks, not to mention an impact on industry as technology drives change.  The engineering sector plays a significant role in how we confront these challenges now and into the future. By encouraging more students to enter the engineering workforce, not only will they have a rewarding career, but also the opportunity to have a positive impact on the future development and vision for their community.