Enticing the Next Generation of Engineers

Encouraging Tasmanian students to pursue a career in engineering and science is a passion for Mohammed Al-Mohammed.

Since commencing work as an engineer with Tasmanian Irrigation more than three years ago, Mohammed has actively engaged with students from around the State to showcase a diverse range of civil construction, engineering and project management roles.

He recently volunteered at the 2026 Science and Engineering Challenge in Launceston and Burnie, overseeing science-based challenges that involve creativity, innovation, problem solving and teamwork.

Organised by the Tasmanian Government, the program aims to inspire students in years nine to 12 to consider future STEM careers.

Mohammed said it was exciting to see students engage with challenging activities, such as using a catapult to propel a plane as far as possible and to land on a specific target.

“Some of the students started off not very eager, but once they began interacting with the activities and trying to successfully land the plane, they immediately locked in and enjoyed being hands on,” Mohammed said.

“This was the first time I had been involved with the program and there were about 110 students participating from across the north of the State.

“From working with the Beacon Foundation to attending agricultural shows and field days, I will take any opportunity I can to speak to students about Tasmanian Irrigation, our new irrigation projects under development and the many career pathways available in the engineering and civil construction fields.”

Mohammed is currently working as a Project Engineer on the $217.9 million Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, which remains on track to deliver up to 25,500 megalitres of high surety irrigation water to farmers in time for the 2026/27 irrigation season.

He has also shared his engineering expertise as part of the Lake Leake dam upgrade, on the Don Irrigation Scheme and across Tasmanian Irrigation’s dam safety program.

“Every day in my job is different,” Mohammed said. “I love being able to come up with solutions to enable complex infrastructure projects to be delivered safely on time and on budget.

“I hope that many Tasmanian students will consider STEM career pathways to help deliver projects that stimulate our State’s economy.”