Tyson Williams, now a year 12 student at Cranbrook in Sydney, was the only NSW student selected in the group of 24 to participate in summer school program, a week-long intensive course at Curtin University. 

He obviously caught the eye of instructors as he was the only student on the program to be offered a place in university’s civil engineering course once he successfully completes his HSC.  

“I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to attend this summer course at the university,” said Tyson, who joined Cranbrook three years ago through the school’s indigenous scholarship program.

“It was an amazing week and we got to do some incredible things.

“We did a lot of engineering exercises, went onto construction sites, built robots on campus, which was great, and even went stargazing at the Perth Observatory.

“The course was motivational and has confirmed to me that engineering is the field in which I would like to specialise.”

The course was established more than 14 years ago by non-profit organisation Engineering Aid Australia and is designed to introduce students to engineering’s different fields and provide them with insights into the industry and the opportunities the profession can provide for the community.

Students also studied techniques to maximise their chances of success and provide a forum for students to meet engineering role models.

And why engineering?

“I love the fact you are creating everything, you are the mind behind the invention, you put all the maths and physics together for the project, which is great,” he said.

“This course has definitely inspired me to want to be involved in engineering and at this stage I’m leaning towards civil engineering.”

While heading to Perth to study was a big enticement Tyson said he was keeping his options open.

“There is so much going on over in the west, especially with all the mining activity, there are some great opportunities,” he said.

Engineering outreach co-ordinator at Curtin University Tim Keely said Tyson was a standout student.

“I was with the students every day and Tyson stood out with his seize-the-day attitude,” he said.

“He was always engaged in the activities and engaged with others as well.

“We sincerely hope that he will choose to come back and study engineering at Curtin.”

Cranbrook headmaster Nicholas Sampson praised Tyson’s achievements.

“Tyson should be very proud of this tremendous achievement which is a reflection of both his academic diligence and his outstanding interpersonal skills,” he said.

“I’m confident Tyson has a successful engineering career ahead of him.”