Coliban Water is giving five students the opportunity to put their university education into practice in a professional working environment and gain experience in the water industry.
General Manager People and Safety Gretel Bowman-Farr said Coliban Water’s Vacation Student Program started in 2012 and runs for 12 weeks from the start of December.
“Young people are the future of Coliban Water so it’s vital we introduce them to the exciting career opportunities in the water industry and retain graduates in our region,” said Ms Bowman-Farr.
“Our five students have spent their summer vacation gaining experience related to their studies in our Infrastructure, Finance, Sustainability, Urban Services and Corporate Communications teams.
“As part of the program students work on individual projects and spend time with various teams to learn about all aspects of the water industry.
“Students find out how Bendigo’s water and wastewater is treated on tours of our Bendigo Water Treatment Plant and Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant, and spend a day with our Network Team responding to customers issues. The engineering students also spend a week working with our Reservoirs Team at our catchment storages, near Kyneton,” said Ms Bowman-Farr.
Swinburne University student Jordan Furlong is commencing his final year of a double degree in Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Environmental Science.
Mr Furlong said he applied for the Vacation Program at Coliban Water because he grew up in the region and wanted to contribute to the sustainability of his local community and environment.
“The experience and knowledge I’ve gained in project management, working in the Infrastructure Team, has provided me with a strong foundation for my professional career,” said Mr Furlong.
La Trobe University student Kristen Harris is studying a double degree in Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Law, majoring in accountancy, and has been working in the Financial Services Team.
“I have gained so much knowledge about accounting, finance and the water industry. The opportunity has been eye-opening,” said Ms Harris.
La Trobe University student Phillip Ryan completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Genetics last year and has been working in the Service and Infrastructure Team.
“Working at Coliban Water has given me an insight into the planning permits and assessments required before any project construction work can start.
“I have learned about the importance of ensuring that cultural heritage and environmental protection is considered at every stage of a project.
Learning about the strong relationship with the Dja Dja Wurrung and the importance of the land are what I will take away from my time at Coliban Water,” said Mr Ryan.
Further information on the Student Vacation Program and careers at Coliban Water can be found at www.coliban.com.au