Sarah Park
Trainee, Land Services SA
(Trainee)

Prior to working in the department, I worked as a casual employee in Big W.
When I saw the advertisement for this traineeship, the job was just what I was looking for!  I started my traineeship within the department in the Land Services Group, and am gaining Certificate III qualifications in Business Administration and Government.  I'm expecting to complete my studies in the next month or so.
What I've most enjoyed about being a Trainee is the development opportunities, working in customer service, and on the job learning from other staff members.  The development opportunities are certainly there as I also work in different parts of Land Services Group.
I love working in Land Services Group in the department because it has great opportunities for staff.  I also like the work that I do and I love the people that I work with as they are all friendly and very helpful.
I would like to gain a promotional position in my work area and future study is also possible.

Teena Steel
Administration Officer, Office of Major Projects and Infrastructure.
(From private sector)

After completing Year 12 in 2002, I joined the workforce in the wholesale industry.  I spent four and a half years in a clerical position which assisted and oversaw the operations of a national wholesale operation.
After viewing the government website - Notice of Vacancies, which was referred by a friend, I applied for the position with the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI).
I applied for my current position with the department because I wanted a role which would provide me with more opportunities and challenges.  My new role is amazing. 
The people are so friendly and welcoming and the opportunities are endless.
I have been with DTEI for approximately three months now and have met some very inspirational people.  This position offers a wide range of training options and experiences which will definitely be helpful in my future roles. 
My only regret is not applying sooner!

Thomas Butchart
Ferry Services Engineer
(From private sector)

I am a Mechanical Engineer with a Graduate Certificate in Management and Certificate IV in Workplace Training.  My Engineering Degree was completed in 1998 at UniSA Levels Campus.
I chose to work in the department as I wanted to be part of something bigger.  I saw the position advertised in "The Advertiser" and joined the department at the end of May 2007.
Previous to this role I have held the position Test Engineer for Mitsubishi, both in Australia and Japan.  Other roles have included looking after tyres for both the Northern Territory and South Australia and operating as an engineering consultant.
My role is to work between head office in the city and the Morgan Dockyard looking after the ferry crossings for the State.  I work with people of all levels and disciplines and that keeps the role interesting.  I love the variation in the role.  Having a family friendly employer was high on my priority list for choosing the department.  The flexi-time arrangements are great.  I am currently enjoying the role and look forward to the challenges that are coming up.

Tracie Hanson
A/Operations Unit Manager, Mid North Region
(Civil Engineer graduate and past Sylvia Birdseye scholarship holder)

My interest in maths, science and the outdoors led me to study Civil Engineering in university. I was fortunate to be awarded a Sylvia Birdseye Scholarship by the department which aims at encouraging more women in engineering.
I commenced working in the department on their gradate rotation program after graduation.  I spent five years rotating through three diverse sections and was exposed to traffic engineering, project management, contract management and construction fields.  My learnings were constant and there were challenges around every corner.  Just the job I wanted - stimulating, diverse, flexible and being given accountability for individual projects!
The department also granted me 12 months leave to work in the private sector - on the Westlink M7 - a $1.5 billion motorway in Western Sydney. 
When I returned to the department, I found it was more flexible than the private sector and I was given developmental opportunities, job rotation and job satisfaction.  I held various roles including construction engineer, project manager and currently acting Unit Manager in Crystal Brook Operations Unit
I am currently working towards an Advanced Diploma in Government Management.  Being in one role for many years does not work for me.  Varied work and roles have kept me interested, focussed, motivated and challenged.  The future looks bright with many great project and management opportunities - it is sure to be exciting and fulfilling.