A select group of students from across regional NSW have a head start to a career in civil engineering as the first intake of RTA rural engineering scholars in the UTS Faculty of Engineering.

Ten students from as far afield as Woolgoolga, Ulladulla and Parkes are being supported by the Roads and Traffic Authority in an initiative to encourage more young people to enter the profession and help address the shortage of civil engineers, particularly in regional areas.

The scholarships, each worth around $50,000, cover the full cost of the highly regarded UTS Bachelor of Engineering and Diploma in Engineering Practice, a five-year course involving extensive industry experience.

Welcoming the RTA scholars this week, the UTS Dean of Engineering Professor Archie Johnston said the Authority had made a suitably practical investment in the future of crucial skills for regional NSW.

"The RTA scholars will undertake their industry placements with the RTA and will be encouraged to do the work in a regional centre or rural area – in their home district if they so choose," Professor Johnston said.

Leigha Ingold, who went to Ulladulla High School on the south coast, said winning an RTA scholarship had given her the chance to study for a "world-class degree" in a university known for its practice-based approach.

"I'll be able to work with the RTA anywhere in NSW during my work placement internships, gaining the kind of experience that will make me ready for the workforce when I graduate," Leigha said.

Daniel Weber, who went to Parkes High School, said he hoped his employment outcome might be a job as an RTA civil engineer back in his central west home town.

"UTS was my first choice as it provides industry experience where I'm able to work for my possible future employer and gain valuable on-the-job experience, which let's face it, you don't get in front of a blackboard," Daniel said.

"Working with the RTA offers a huge chance to experience different work environments and help solve various problems that can have a big impact on the community."

Daniel said he had already learned something he didn't know about engineering while attending the Faculty's orientation camp.

"Alfred Hitchcock actually did engineering. He said it helped him to see from a different perspective and think outside the square, which is certainly evident in his films."