In this episode, Stephen Anderson chats with Keith Alexander, Student Engagement Coordinator at QUT’s Faculty of Engineering. Keith shares how QUT opens its doors to high school students through design and engineering workshops, offering hands-on experiences that align with school curriculums. From speed sketching to future city planning with Lego, these workshops inspire creativity and problem-solving. We also touch on what’s coming for teachers—like professional development and micro-credentials—and practical tips for bringing students to campus.
Key Topics Discussed
Design Workshops: What Students Can Expect
Keith walks us through a typical QUT design workshop—think student ambassadors, J Block studios, and activities like sketching that mirror university-level skills.
Beyond Design: Engineering & Future Cities
From engineering problem-solving to the upcoming Future Cities Lab at the World Science Festival, QUT offers a range of workshops to excite students about STEM.
Supporting Teachers New to Design or Engineering
With plans for teacher PD in 2025 and beyond, Keith explains how QUT is gearing up to help educators build confidence in these subjects.
Navigating QUT’s Campus with Students
Practical advice on managing a group of teens at QUT—where to meet, eat, and explore—straight from Keith’s experience.
Opportunities for High Achievers
Learn about QUT’s Dean’s Awards (gift cards and bursaries!) and the Start QUT STEM Intensive for Year 11-12 students craving university credit.
Links and Resources:
• QUT Faculty of Engineering Engagement Page: https://www.qut.edu.au/engage/engineering (Check for updates on workshops & awards)
• Contact Keith Alexander: keith.alexander@qut.edu.au (For workshop inquiries)
• DATTA Queensland: www.dattaqld.org.au
Connect With Us:
● Host: Stephen Anderson – podcast@dattaqld.org.au
About the Bridge Building Podcast
“This is the place where we dissect and then discover the many ways ITD teachers all over this country are using their passion to create passionate students. We talk of measuring and manipulating a multitude of materials of design and divergent thought, of creation with our minds and with our hands. And most of all, we talk of growing great young people because of course that is what we do.”
So what does that mean other than I like to show off my alliteration skills? Since coming back to teaching a few years ago the thing that strikes me most, and frankly scared me most is how lonely this job is. How little we know about what is happening in our subject area. The classroom next door, a class in the next school, let alone the next town are a mystery to me. I know there are teachers out there doing incredible things and this (the podcast) is a way for me to find out and be inspired. I would like to invite you along to listen and learn, to be inspired by some of the sensational teachers I speak to on the “Bridge Building Podcast – from technology to the trades”
About the Podcast Host
Stephen Anderson is a Design Technology, Trade Training and accidental Science teacher at a small high school 2 hours North West of Brisbane.
Over To You
If you know someone who is doing something spectacular or just great fun in design and tech or in trade training, I would love to know about them.
Contact me through my email osaerial@gmail.com
Music by:
Viola Pink
My favourite busker from the Nanango markets.