What is it like to be a Graduate Electrical Engineer?
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Oliver, first year, Graduate Electrical Engineer
"Since February 2009 I have been working in the Mechanical and Electrical Services branch of the Water Corporation. I recently graduated from Murdoch University with a double major in Industrial Computer Systems Engineering and Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineering. In the short time I have been working as a graduate, the Water Corporation has been welcoming, encouraging me to develop my skills and abilities while providing assistance from the more experienced members of staff.
University taught me the technical side of Engineering however that isn't the only role which Engineers fulfil. An Engineer with the Water Corporation has to balance the science aspects of the work with the business. From budgeting to personnel management, Engineers provide the bridge between the technical and commerce sides of industry.
Many of the tasks I am working on involve instrument trials with the aim of improving existing assets. One example is the assessment of continuous dissolved oxygen probes to be used on the Sequential Batch Reactor at the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. These trials involve skills such as data analysis, interpersonal communication, costing, and people management. Results of this trial could represent a reduction in operational and maintenance costs to the Water Corporation and other stakeholders.
I have also been involved with power supply analysis on the various pumps in operation around the state. These pumps represent the single largest energy consumers of all the Water Corporation assets. My task is part of a larger scheme to ensure the Corporation complies with the 2011 carbon emissions targets. This is a joint project across multiple disciplines which will increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions of WA infrastructure assets.
The Water Corporation offers a substantial amount of post-graduate training on all aspects of work. Since I joined I have been on many courses such as High Voltage work procedures, earth testing, PI data historian usage, and various courses relating to occupational safety and health. This is an illustration of the Water Corporation’s commitment to maximising the potential of all employees through provision of learning opportunities."
