University students to help build Canberra’s light rail network

Not only is it a good time to visit the Nation’s Capital, it’s also a good time to study.

Engineering students from the University of New South Wales have been offered a once in a lifetime opportunity - to help build Canberra’s Light Rail.

Set for completion in 2018, it’s the Territory’s largest ever infrastructure project.

UNSW has partnered with Metro Canberra, to offer them hands on experience within their chosen field.

ACT Minister for Transport and Higher Education Meegan Fitzharris told 9NEWS they will be able to learn from globally recognised experts.

“There are so many aspects to this projects that are great for this city, one of them is jobs, and of course one of them is the opportunity for people to learn,” Ms Fitzharris said.

At the moment there are three budding engineers working on a casual basis.

Aeronautical engineering student Braydon Clarke said he is inspired by his senior colleagues.

“I can’t wait to look back in ten years and say I helped build that,” Mr Clarke said.

Josh Daniel is undertaking an undergraduate degree in civil engineering and hopes it will open up career opportunities.

“I have aspirations to work on large infrastructure projects in Canberra and Australia, hopefully expanding my knowledge working on various types of projects,” he said.

Twenty more UNSW Canberra students will have the opportunity to work on the rail over the summer break.

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