Ben Martini

Actually I first started in government as a trainee working for DAIS at the time, the Department for Administrative and Information Services, in Asset Services, as a trainee.  I actually came in as a person to do some drafting of some floor plans and basically that's how I started off in government.  I was in Asset Services for about two years and then I was fortunate enough, there was a spot within where I currently am in Project Services, and had the opportunity to come here and start doing some project work on   Major Capital Projects.  So I'm managing some concept reports, some projects which are currently in construction.  So, basically my involvement is awarding contracts, tendering contracts, putting together programs and so forth and managing budgets and making sure the project gets done on time and budget which is the main objective.  I've enjoyed most working in various types of projects, from school projects to working on fire stations.  At the moment this is where I want to be. I really enjoy working where I am.  I've been given the opportunity to pursue further studies.  I would like to be in more of a senior role within the next several years, but I'm quite happy where I am at the moment, so it's really good.

Bernard Ho
Engineer
(Engineer Graduate)

When nearing completion of my Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental), I received a department job advertisement via our School of Civil and Environmental.  I applied for the position and was lucky enough to be interviewed and offered a position four months prior to the completion of my degree.
I am placed in an area responsible for major projects.  My first job was with the LeFevre Peninsula Transport Corridor Project team and involved using high level communication and interpersonal skills.  This has helped to build my confidence in giving clear instructions to contractors, and communicating with colleagues and clients.  My current job is on the Northern Expressway Project.
I love my working environment as everyone is friendly, positive and willing to teach others and this has helped me to settle in quickly.  My three year graduate program includes rotational placements, mentor support, and training.  I am on an accredited training course, learning about working in government, managing myself, working in teams, ethics, and communication.  The department also supports individual skills needs for example in project management and modern writing skill courses.  I am planning to get my Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) within 3-5 years, and am also planning to do my postgraduate studies (Master of Project Management or Master of Business Administration) in the near future in order for me to apply the learnt knowledge to the department.
I love my job because of the office work and site supervision mix..  However, the rotational placements will give me an opportunity to gain diverse experience (technical and management).  Ultimately, I wish to come back to my current area at the end of my rotational placements to apply my gained diverse experiences and learnt knowledge from my postgraduate study.  Please wish me LUCK!

Bonaventure Tan
Civil Engineer
(Engineer Graduate)

During the completion of my Civil Engineering studies at the University of South Australia I was introduced to the Graduate Program offered by the department.  I realised the exciting possibilities that the program offered to develop my professional skills, as a new graduate engineer, while working in a challenging and diverse environment.
My first appointment was at the department's Crystal Brook regional office.  My responsibilities included the development of a Blackspot Program, Speed Zonings investigation, Development Applications & Land Division assessment and Asset and Traffic Planning analysis.  I was fortunate to be able to work along side professional peers and be part of a highly skilled team.
Speaking from first hand experience, the Graduate Development Program clearly demonstrates the commitment of the department to foster graduate engineers through formal training, mentor schemes and practical field work.
Graduate rotations provide unique opportunities to gain experience across the various divisions/sections in both metropolitan and rural locations.  Taking advantage of this rotational scheme has enabled me to focus my career path while gaining skills in a wide variety of duties and tasks.
I have enjoyed my eighteen months working as a Graduate Engineer within the department and look forward to the next rotational appointment.  I encourage graduates to apply directly to the department's Professional Recruitment Officer.

Craig Francis
Technical Officer, Port Lincoln
(Technical Officer)

I completed a 2 year Diploma of Civil Engineering at Panorama TAFE in 2004.  Whilst studying at TAFE I also worked as a drafter for a structural engineer, a survey chainman/drafter at a survey company and assisted in technical and safety inspections of rural aerodromes.
I applied for a position in the department as part of the Technical Officer Development Scheme after a promotional visit to TAFE, and after successfully applying to be on the Scheme, began work in January 2005 as a Technical Officer in the Survey Section.  Later in 2005 I worked briefly in the Road Design section of Contracts and Standards before winning a permanent position in the Operations Unit at the Pt Lincoln office.  I stayed in this role for almost 18 months before winning my current position in Northern &Western Region Projects Unit.
One of my most satisfying aspects of my career so far with the department has been the opportunity to apply for and winning promotional positions.  In my current role I enjoy the variety that the job offers.  With such a range of different tasks, I am always doing something new and sharing my time between the office and on site work.  I appreciate the amount of responsibility that I have, the challenges that come with it, and the fact that there is always somewhere to go for assistance when you need it.
I have enjoyed the challenges and learning opportunities of all my roles in the department and I still learn something new every day.  Working in the department, particularly the Northern and Western Region, has helped me gain valuable skills and technical knowledge along with many contacts in the industry.  There are great opportunities available within the department and I have always been supported to further my career and knowledge through internal courses and external study.  I am currently completing a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with the University of Southern Queensland.

Craig Oliver
Apprentice Electrician
(Apprentice)

I completed year 12 at Craigmore High School.  Afterwards I completed a pre-vocational course at Elizabeth TAFE.  During the TAFE course I was presented with the opportunity to apply for an apprentice position with the department.
I was successful in winning this position and am now a second year apprentice electrician with the department.
The department places me with different host employers so that I can gain a broader range of experience in the trade.  I actually get to have a say in the kind of electrical work I do.  This ranges from house wiring to building sites or control systems.
One of the advantages of having multiple host employers is becoming well known in the industry and having many good references, which will help my career.
The team at the department ensure I am equipped for the job I am doing by providing all necessary safety equipment and help with starting a tool kit.  I'm still undecided about which area I will specialise in, but I am currently working for a company which specialises in control systems and I am enjoying the challenge.