Horizon Power, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australian (CCI), and Engineers Australia are collaborating in an industry-first graduate program for engineers, which gives them practical industry experience.
The new ‘Graduates@CCI’ Power Engineering Training Program gives graduates the opportunity to get extensive exposure to various engineering career pathways, and allowing them to develop broad skills in all aspects of power engineering including design, generation, distribution and retail.
Horizon Power Managing Director Frank Tudor said the unique collaboration allows graduates to gain practical, hands-on experience while contributing to the achievement of a variety of projects within the business.
“Horizon Power is proud to be driving innovation in training which will ultimately benefit the industry,” Mr Tudor said.
Western Australian Minister for Energy Mike Nahan congratulated the first two students to take part in the program.
“Collaboration of this kind is a fantastic step forward for the energy sector, and I congratulate the first two engineering graduates to take part in the innovative program,” Dr Nahan said.
“I also commend Horizon Power, CCI WA and Engineers Australia (WA) for working together to develop the program, which aims to build a workforce of engineers with broad qualifications and extensive experience.
“This will strengthen the expertise of the power industry and ultimately result in better outcomes for WA consumers.”
Engineering graduates Sanket Wankhede and Nathan Mazoue are currently undertaking a six month internship at Horizon Power.
Both said they were grateful for the opportunity to develop a range of professional and technical skills in the power industry which will enhance their career prospects.
“I am really enjoying the experience of applying my university studies to real life situations and engaging in a range of interesting and challenging projects,” Mr Mazoue said.
Mr Wankhede said his experience so far has been wonderful.
“I have already gained a valuable insight into the industry and the support I have received from Horizon Power has been amazing,” Mr Wankhede said
CCI Chief Executive Officer Deidre Willmott said the three year program is designed to give graduates the chance to explore different pathways in the beginning of their career.
“Rather than specialising early on in their careers, graduates have the opportunity to cultivate a range of skills through their placements with industry leaders,” Ms Willmott said.
“CCI is committed to developing the skills and experience of Western Australia’s future engineers and making it easier for businesses to work with graduates.”
The program’s practical experience is supported by a unique professional development program, designed and delivered by Engineers Australia.
General Manager WA Engineers Australia Susan Kreemer Pickford said the program speeds up the transition of graduates into the workforce and assists them in developing key competencies needed to achieve chartered status.
“The program is an important part of our work in nurturing the next generation of innovative engineers and reinforcing the integrity of the profession,” Ms Kreemer Pickford said.
