Gympie student Nick Gerrard plans to turn his passion for motorbikes into a professional career after enrolling in a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Nick, who achieved an OP3, excelled in maths and science during his high school years and spent much of his spare time riding motorbikes and fixing a range of vehicles.

The St Patrick’s College graduate, 18, said he was excited that he could now explore his interest in engineering locally by doing the first year of his four-year degree at USC’s Gympie campus.

“I’ve been riding bikes with my Dad on properties around Gympie for seven or eight years now, and we do all our own maintenance on the bikes and fix up cars as well,” Nick said.

“I’ve always found that mechanical side of things really fascinating, so it seemed like a good choice to pursue a career as a mechanical engineer.”

Nick played touch football and helped coach a local soccer team during his high school years, as well as convening his school’s Student Representative Council when he was in Year 12.

He said he hoped to keep up his busy lifestyle while studying this year.

“Having the Engineering degree available at Gympie means I can stay at home and settle into my first year of university without having to worry about renting or travel as well,” he said.

USC Gympie offers first-year subjects in both Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering, with the rest of the degree provided at USC’s Sippy Downs campus.

More information on studying at USC Gympie is available here.

— Gen Kennedy