Three engineering students have been gaining valuable on-the-job experience participating in Armidale Dumaresq Council’s annual work placement program.
Council has been involved in the program for over 20 years giving university engineering students the opportunity to work in the field for 10 weeks as part of their university training.
Students currently working with Council include Susan Tucker and Mitchell Foley from University of New England’s Engineering Technology degree and Rebekah Stewart from the University of Queensland’s Electrical Engineering program. Mitchell has been working in waste management, Susan in design and Rebekah in water.
According to student Rebekah Stewart the opportunity to be working in Local Government exposes her to a variety of challenging and practical engineering experiences.
“During my time with Council I have been working on a number of projects within the delivery of water services.
“These include asset management of critical electrical infrastructure for the water and sewer treatment plants as well as a feasibility study for solar panels.
“On the job training has exposed me to real life work experiences and access to skilled engineers with a wealth of knowledge and experience who have all been very keen to help and advise me day-to-day.”
Working for Local Government can provide a challenging and diverse career path for engineering graduates. Councils play an important role in providing essential services across a range of areas including; water supply, waste water treatment, waste management, environment enhancement, road and bridge construction, airport development, asset management, design and Geographic Information Systems.
According to Council’s Director of Regional Services Andre Kompler a career in Local Government is professionally rewarding.
“Working for a local council enables you to make a real difference in the lives of the communities you serve.
“Engineers and in fact all Council staff contribute in various ways to a wide range of sustainable service delivery aimed at improving community outcomes. Council is pleased to be investing time into the next generation of professionals. “
