The Illawarra Innovative Industry Network (i3net) held their February meeting at Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Airport Museum at Albion Park. Michael Hough, HARS Representative welcomed the i3net members, guests and students from Illawarra Sports High School. This meeting launched this year’s work experience project (WEP). HARS proved yet again to be an excellent venue and the students in particular enjoyed the tour of the facility. HARS held its Open Day last Sunday February 22
The WEP is the brainchild idea between the i3net members and local schools. Undertaking this initiative will be the students of Illawarra Sports High School, who will gain essential hands on experience by drafting a design on special Intercad software and manufacturing in local i3net member manufacturing plants.
Sander Kroes, Chairman of i3net said, “This type of community work is essential. It is a very real fact that manufacturing and engineering have a serious long term skills shortage. This type of initiative gives students a chance to see that there is so much more to our industry than what they may presuppose. The i3net are committed to raising the profile of local industry in the Illawarra and feel this is an excellent and rewarding way of facilitating a project for local school students”.
Dr Peter Bailey, Principal of Illawarra Sports High School said “This work experience project provides our students with an excellent platform to gain an insight into industry. The i3net’s support has been phenomenal and this years students are very excited about the extraordinary opportunity this program provides them. We are very grateful to Intercad for their support and kind donation of their software.”
Clive Gover, i3net Director of Events said, “It is very important for Industry, Department of Education and students to work together. This should be a very insightful experience for students contemplating working in industry.”
Alan Wickett, Intercad said, “Intercad are very excited to be involved with this project again. Due to the great success of the work experience project last year, we have decided to donate 10 licences for the Intercad designing software to Illawarra Sports High School. We hope this will assist students in their engineering learning endeavours and we encourage them to consider a career in engineering”.
The i3net was formed several years ago in response to a need to promote awareness of the high-technology innovation base within the Illawarra. The Network is focused on increasing business opportunity for Illawarra industry. New members are always welcome. For further information on i3net, go to: www.i3net.com.au or contact: media@i3net.com.au
Second row:
Simon King (Illawarra Sports High), Dr Peter Bailey (Illawarra Sports High), Clive Gover (Simpsons Welding Products), Alan Wickett (Intercad), Andrew Dodd (Dept of Education and Training) and Terry Askew (M & S Engineering).
Front row:
Students of Illawarra Sports High School | 
