Subsidised Training for Aspiring Engineering Associates

A CQU engineering student wearing high vis and a hard hat stands in front of an engineering workshop.

Get paid to learn and gain real-world engineering experience through an Engineering Cadetship and Tuition Bursary with Manufacturing Skills Queensland.

Through the Engineering Cadetship Program, CQUniversity and Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) are offering to cover up to 50% of tuition fees (up to $10,000 bursaries) for aspiring Associate Engineers to study the Associate Degree of Engineering with CQU.

MSQ is an independent, not-for-profit organisation supported by the Queensland Government, dedicated to building a sustainably skilled workforce for the state's future-proofed manufacturing industry. MSQ offers manufacturers a range of valuable resources, including workforce planning assistance, subsidised training, skills programs, and inclusivity initiatives. These programs help employers enhance workforce capabilities, address skills gaps, and contribute to industry growth. Their work supports the Queensland Government’s major investment into the manufacturing industry.

For more information, visit the Manufacturing Skills Queensland website.

Information for Students

Get paid to learn and gain real-world, hands-on engineering experience through an Engineering Cadetship and MSQ Bursary. With 30 bursaries available, this exclusive opportunity offers up to $10,000 towards an Associate Degree of Engineering. Plus, you’ll build industry connections and potential employment opportunities, all before you graduate.

What is an Engineering Associate?

An Engineering Associate is a skilled professional that provides technical support to engineers in designing and maintaining critical infrastructure and systems.

Associate Engineers hold an Associate Degree of Engineering and play a vital role in translating engineering design into practical, real-world applications. Working across discipline such as civil, mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineering, they help bridge the gap between application and theory.

As an Engineering Associate, you will:

Apply practical skills in design, planning and project management
Connect construction and engineering
Contribute to meaningful projects that deliver real impact
Advance your career, transitioning from trade-based roles into more technical and strategic positions.

About CQU's Associate Degree of Engineering

To find out more about CQU’s Associate Degree of Engineering, including how to apply and important application dates, visit our course page.

Am I eligible for an MSQ bursary?

To be eligible for an MSQ Bursary:

You must be enrolled in your first year of CQU’s Associate Degree of Engineering; and
Have secured an Engineering Cadetship with a regional Queensland engineering business:
- The business must have 200 employees or less;
- The cadetship must be located in Regional Queensland; and
Agree to an Information Sharing agreement with MSQ for bursary processing.

How to apply

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

If you are applying for an MSQ Bursary for the Term 1, 2026 intake, you must submit your EOI by 5 pm AEST, Wednesday 31 December 2025.

For more information about an MSQ Bursary, please contact the School of Engineering and Technology team via set-cadets@cqu.edu.au.

Information for Organisations

There’s never been a better time to invest in your workforce. Grow your team, attract and retain talent, and build capability while protecting the future of Queensland’s regional manufacturing industry. Explore Engineering Cadetship opportunities with CQUniversity.

Benefits of hosting an Engineering Cadet

An Engineering Cadetship partnership with CQUniversity will help grow your workforce and enhance engineering education sustainably. To maximise success, we recommend you consider the following.

Organisational support

Cadets should feel connected to their workplace and have an employment agreement that considers their study commitments. To help maintain a sustainable work‑study‑life balance, full-time employment should include:

0.5 days per week of study release; and
One week per term for assignments, exams and intensive classes.

Complimentary learning

Cadets learn best when work opportunities complement their studies. CQU will provide learning materials to helps employers match workload and project allocations with academic content.

Performance monitoring

Regular coaching and guidance on the job is essential for cadets to thrive in your work environment and achieve their academic aspirations.

Financial incentives

Consider adding other incentives to attract talent to your workplace:

Scholarships
Equipment (laptops, workwear, etc.)
Course fees support
Living allowances.

Upskilling existing Employees

Already have a team member in mind? The MSQ Bursary provides a great opportunity for your employee to upskill, at a significantly reduced cost (to them and your organisation).

Is our organisation eligible to participate in the MSQ Cadetship program?

To offer an Engineering Cadetship via the MSQ program, your organisation must:

Be a small or medium engineering or manufacturing business, with 200 employees or less; and
Offer an Engineering Cadetship to a first-year CQU Associate Degree of Engineering student at a regional Queensland location; and
Agree to an Information Sharing agreement with MSQ for Bursary processing.

Not eligible for the MSQ program?

We’d still love to hear from you. Contact our School of Engineering and Technology team via set-cadets@cqu.edu.au to discuss alternative opportunities.

How to apply to host an MSQ Engineering Cadet

To offer an Engineering Cadetship, via the MSQ program, your organisation must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Students applying for an MSQ Bursary for the Term 1, 2026 intake, must submit their EOIs by 5 pm AEST, Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Find out more

Visit our Engineering Cadetships webpage for more information.

You can also contact the School of Engineering and Technology team via set-cadets@cqu.edu.au.

Associate Degree of Engineering

The Associate Degree of Engineering offers four majors aligned with cadetship opportunities: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Resource Systems (Mining).

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