Dr. Steve Mackay is the founder of the Engineering Institute of Technology. He firmly believes in Nelson Mandela’s mantra that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.” His leadership has inspired EIT’s unique and distinctive approach to engineering education.

Since 2008 three core objectives define the essence of the institute:

Collaborating comprehensively with industry to ensure graduates are job-ready.
Employing platforms of learning to facilitate student accessibility and engagement.
Keeping the business of education student-centric.

Dr. Mackay has enjoyed a varied career in engineering, having worked in automation, data acquisition, instrumentation, data communications, and process control throughout Australia, Europe, Africa, and North America over the past 35 years. He has successfully pioneered the application of new technologies in Australia and overseas, installing industrial data communication systems and implementing live online education, (including remote laboratories), for engineering students worldwide. Dr. Mackay has been involved in a range of industries, including power stations, mining, mineral processing, oil/gas/petrochemical plants, and platforms. He has presented courses on industrial data communications, data acquisition, instrumentation, and process control to over 30,000 engineers and technicians worldwide for clients such as NASA, Rolls Royce, and BP. He has also co-authored and edited 25 engineering books that have been published across the world. Dr. Mackay is a Fellow of Engineers Australia with a license to practice as a Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical Chartered Professional Engineer. As Dean of the Engineering Institute of Technology, Dr. Mackay leads the institute in providing microcredentials and engineering qualifications to over 2000 students per year from 140 countries. He has an unswerving focus on student outcomes and on excellence in education.

Global dropout crisis: How data and innovation can help

October 30, 2017 12:52 pm
Attrition rates are a bone of contention within tertiary education institutions. There is an inevitable desire to deny that the number of students dropping out of courses is too high, let alone rising. Students, wherever they obtain the money, invest it into gaining qualifications; the key they believe, to establishing...Read More

Blockchain technology could change energy forever

October 26, 2017 11:27 am
Imagine a world where energy is available to all, distributed through a robust system of transmission lines, with a meter system so accurate that it charges consumers for the power  they need, but also allows them to sell excess energy to other consumers. It is becoming more technically complex for...Read More

A life well lived – Dick Morley

October 26, 2017 9:40 am
Back in 2008, when we were expanding from a company providing courses for professional development into a fully-fledged college of engineering, Dick was not only an enormous support, but his involvement contributed to the success we enjoyed.  He was hearty in his encouragement of our efforts and he shared his...Read More

The engineering behind Scotland’s floating turbine farm

October 24, 2017 4:08 pm
Scotland’s world-first offshore ‘floating’ turbine farm has begun producing energy. 20,000 homes on the mainland will be receiving power from this renewable energy source.   The operation has been constructed in Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In a world first the wind turbines have been placed further out to sea than...Read More

Higher Education & Training Minister Unseated in South Africa How will this Effect Private Institutions?

October 19, 2017 4:10 pm
Another two steps back for higher education in South Africa. President Jacob Zuma has once again shuffled the members of his cabinet; the second shuffle of ministerial position holders this year. Earlier in the year, the Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande survived the cut, however, this time he wasn’t...Read More

Science Fiction Engineering: an Academy is Launched

October 19, 2017 1:32 pm
Cue the X-Files music. “When it comes to shaping the future, one of the greatest obstacles you have is your mind.” These were the words of Steve Justice, the Head of the Aerospace Department of the ‘To the Stars Academy of Arts & Science’. Never heard of it? Well, that’s...Read More

Eliminating the Monotony of Engineering

October 19, 2017 11:36 am
Being an engineer is by no means a boring job. However, most people will refer to their jobs similarly, that ‘work is work’; that it often involves a daily grind, a slog which is sometimes repetitive and monotonous. Remarks delivered on a social forum for engineers also suggest the monotony...Read More

Keeping STEM Progressive

October 18, 2017 1:27 pm
The future of technology and world class education hinges on the ability of universities to continue to provide a premium higher education experience. Their curricula need to be aligned closely to the demands of the world more than ever before. According to University World News, Zimbabwe has warned their universities...Read More

Post-graduate internships under intense scrutiny

October 16, 2017 12:56 pm
Internships provide the opportunity for a prospective professional to gain the work experience needed in the industry they are aiming to work in. Internships enable students or workers to gain the work experience that is being sought after by employers. Adding ‘work experience’ to the curriculum vitae is an invaluable...Read More

Hurricane Harvey: Engineering industries confront the flooding and infrastructure needs for the future

October 16, 2017 12:49 pm
Friday night (the 25th of August) a tropical storm hit Texas in the United States of America. 60cm of rain fell overnight (23 inches) with a total of 50 inches expected before the week was out. Whether or not Texas’ drainage system is able to deal with the volume of...Read More