Inspiring the Next Generation of Tunnelling Professionals

The ATS is proud to support and encourage emerging talent within Australia’s tunnelling and underground construction sector through the Bill Banford Student Tunnelling Achievement Award.

Established to strengthen connections between industry and higher education, the award recognises outstanding undergraduate students who demonstrate enthusiasm, promise, and engagement in the field of tunnelling and underground engineering.

The initiative reflects the ATS’s commitment to fostering the next generation of industry professionals and responding to the growing demand for skilled graduates across the tunnelling sector.

About the Award

Each year, the award is presented to selected undergraduate students from participating higher education institutions across Australia.

The successful recipients receive:

• A cash prize of $500
• An invitation to the ATS St Barbara’s Day networking event
• A formal certificate of recognition presented at the event
• Recognition in the A&NZ Journal, helping to broaden their professional industry network

St Barbara is recognised as the Patron Saint of tunnellers and miners, and the annual St Barbara’s Day event provides a unique opportunity for students to connect with leaders and professionals from across the underground construction industry.

Purpose of the Award

The ATS has been actively exploring ways to deepen engagement with universities and higher education institutions where tunnelling-related content forms part of undergraduate engineering and construction degrees.

The award aims to:

• Encourage students to consider tunnelling as a career pathway
• Foster stronger links between industry and academia
• Recognise students who demonstrate passion and initiative in tunnelling studies
• Support the long-term growth and sustainability of the tunnelling industry workforce

The initiative has also been strongly supported by key industry partners and sponsors who recognise the importance of developing future talent within the sector.

Eligibility and Selection

• The Bill Banford Student Tunnelling Achievement Award is intended for penultimate-year undergraduate students.
• Recipients are nominated by course lecturers or key academic mentors, who are best placed to identify students demonstrating exceptional enthusiasm, commitment, and interest in tunnelling and underground construction.
• Nominations are typically requested by the end of September each year to align with the ATS St Barbara’s Day celebrations and publication deadlines for the ATS A&NZ Journal.

ATS Student Membership

• The ATS encourages all students with an interest in tunnelling and underground engineering to become involved with the Society.
• Student membership is free and provides opportunities to connect with industry professionals, attend events, access technical knowledge, and learn more about career pathways within the sector.
• For more information about ATS membership, visit: Becoming a Member | Australian Tunnelling Society

Building the Future of Underground Infrastructure

Through initiatives such as the Bill Banford Student Tunnelling Achievement Award, the ATS is investing in the future of Australia’s tunnelling industry — supporting talented students today to become the industry leaders of tomorrow.

Contact

For further information about the award please contact: ats@engineersaustralia.org.au