Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is helping bring skilled professionals to the region through its participation in an engineering work placement program.
In January 2024, GMW welcomed three Masters of Engineering students as part of La Trobe University’s Work Integrated Learning Program.
The program provides high-achieving postgraduate students in the final year of their degree the opportunity to consolidate their skills in the workforce.
Engineering students Sana Shaikh, Sujan Regmi, and Narayan Mahat have all joined GMW for the first half of 2024 as part of the program. All three have experience working as engineers overseas and are now completing master’s degrees in Australia.
Sana has joined GMW’s Electrical and Mechanical Services Team. She is currently undertaking a master’s in telecommunications and network engineering, having previously completed her bachelor’s in electrical engineering and also having worked as an electrical engineer for several years in India.
Sana said her first weeks at GMW had been very beneficial.
“I feel very privileged to get this opportunity,” she said.
“It has been great to learn more about the water industry and broaden my skill set.”
Sana is writing her thesis on arc flash assessment and has been able to put this knowledge to practice at GMW, completing arc flash study on various pump station assets.
GMW Electrical and Mechanical Services Team manager Craig Rowden said the benefits of the program were subsequently twofold.
“Having Sana onboard has been a great help to our team, so it’s a win-win situation,” he said.
“In partnering with this program, GMW is bringing some highly qualified engineers to the region and adding to the expertise in its workforce.”
Sujan is in his final semester of a master’s in engineering, having previously worked as an engineer in Nepal. He was also finding the program invaluable.
“It has been really useful to get the practical experience and work in an open environment,” he said.
“Everyone in the team has been welcoming, which I’m very grateful for.”
Sujan joined GMW’s Project Services Team, while fellow engineering master’s student, Narayan, joined GMW’s Asset Strategy and Engineering Team.
Narayan worked for several years as an engineer in India and said he had enjoyed being able to put his skills into practice once more.
“It’s been an incredible opportunity,” Narayan said.
“I have been really well supported by my supervisor and my team at GMW. They have done a lot to help teach me some of the softer skills of the job that you can only learn in the workplace.”
GMW People, Culture and Safety general manager Glenda Smith said GMW’s involvement in the program would have benefits that extended beyond the students’ placements.
“It is a chance for us to bring skilled workers out into our region where their work can benefit local communities,” she said.
“Previous internships with GMW have been very successful, with some interns joining us as employees and moving to the region, which is a great outcome for all of us.”