Electrical Engineering
Christian
Role: Electrical engineering student
Company: Ergon Energy / Queensland University of Technology
Courtesy of QRC
How are you involved in the minerals industry?
I am a 20 year old final year electrical engineering student at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). I live on the Gold Coast and am currently working on my final-year project with Ergon Energy.
Why did you choose to study Electrical Engineering?
I decided to enrol in electrical engineering because I have always had an interest in engineering and I'm pretty good at maths and science. I am fortunate to have family in the engineering industry so I was more aware of what the profession actually involved and of the opportunities available.
QUT doesn't have a common first year for all engineers, so you specialise straight away and knowing what I did about the industry made choosing my discipline easier. Still, if you want to change disciplines, it's not difficult and it won't push back your graduation date.
Have you had any industry experience?
I just got back from vacation work at Rockhampton with Ergon Energy. I was working with them for eight months as a co-op student. It was an industry co-op program (ICP), which is an elective you can do in your third year of uni and it counts towards your degree. While I was there I worked in the Line Standards Department.
We looked after the engineering of the overhead and underground power lines and distribution equipment for the whole Ergon Energy network.
My main project was to finish writing the software used in overhead line design, update the databases in the software and train the design staff on how to use the program. I'm continuing this project for my final year project now.
I was also involved in two investigations into the electromagnetic fields (EMF) amongst other things. I already knew a little bit about the work I did from university but most of it was a learning experience.
In my 2004/2005 summer break from uni I did vacation work with Xstrata Copper at Mount Isa for three months. When I was up there, there were 42 other students there from various universities and disciplines. I worked an 8am to 5pm day doing mine maintenance, electrical design and checking. It was long hours, but they certainly pay you well for it, so I can’t complain there.
What was the best part of working in the industry?
I have worked with a very wide range of people from drafts people to engineers and field specialists. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the different sides to the electricity industry.
From a lifestyle perspective, the companies I’ve worked with really look after you. They pay for your accommodation, flights, transport and even social things while you’re away on a job.
What has been the most memorable experience for you so far?
I got to go underground and stand in the deepest part of the mine - about 1.8km underground. It was amazing to think I was standing at the deepest point of Australia.
Are there opportunities for young people in the minerals industry?
The resources sector has an ageing workforce, but there is also an influx of young people coming into the industry. This generally means that when most of management is retiring the next person in line for the job is a thirty-something year old. This means there are plenty of opportunities to move upwards through the company while still young. It means you get more responsibility and better jobs earlier.
