Scholarship recipient set to engineer a bright future
Fresh out of high school, CQUniversity Mackay engineering student William Poots is already setting his sights on making an impact in his community.
The former Carlisle Adventist College vice-captain said his strong results in physics and mathematics, paired with a natural curiosity about how things work, drew him towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Diploma of Professional Practice (Co-op Engineering) at CQU.
“I’ve always been fascinated by engineering and mechanics, and I see it as a way to help solve real-world problems,” William said.
“Last year I completed a service trip to Cambodia, where I assisted in building latrines, wells, and incinerators for low-economic rural areas. This experience further inspired me to support our own communities through resourceful industrial innovation.”
To help support these aspirations, William was named a recipient of the Key Solutions Group Scholarship for 2025.
The Key Solutions Group (KSG) Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students, helping to nurture the next generation of engineers and innovators for Central Queensland. Recipients are also offered the opportunity to complete work placement or employment with Key Solutions Group.
William said receiving the scholarship has relieved the financial pressures of university life, allowing him to dedicate more time and energy to his studies.
“The scholarship means I can focus on excelling in my degree without the constant stress of financial pressures,” he said.
“It allows me to invest in the resources I need, like IT equipment and textbooks, and ultimately helps me contribute more meaningfully to my future career in engineering.
“I will complete one of my work placements with KSG and I have even already done some work experience with them which arose from my receiving the scholarship.
“The scholarship has not only supported my current education but also serves as a steppingstone towards achieving my long-term career objectives. By advancing my education, I will be better positioned to create positive change in both my career and the regions I serve.”
Looking ahead, William hopes to work on projects that design energy-efficient systems and support sustainable industrial development across the region.
“My long-term ambition is to become a leader in the engineering field, driving projects that not only improve industry standards but also strengthen competitiveness and economic success in regional Queensland," William said.
“Through the development of efficient and reliable mechanical systems, I hope to drive long-term, sustainable growth in our local communities, as well as inspire future prospective engineers.”
