Seven university students have completed a three-month placement with East Gippsland Water as part of the organisation’s Vacation Student Program, gaining practical experience to complement their studies.
The summer program, which has been running for almost 20 years, allows students to work across areas relevant to their degrees, including engineering, communications, technology and environmental planning.
Lauren Kyle, manager people and capability at East Gippsland Water, said the program provides an early-career pathway for future industry professionals.
“This program provides real-world experience to complement their studies and supports the development of future industry professionals,” Ms Kyle said.
Among the students, University of Melbourne Master of
Mechanical Engineering student Thomas Poynton worked with the Service Delivery team on a Root Cause Analysis, learning about sewage pump station operations and failure factors.
“I’m amazed at how complex it is to achieve safe, running water for communities throughout East Gippsland,” Thomas said.
Alex Cameron, studying a Bachelor of Business at La Trobe University, joined the Communications and Community Engagement team for her second summer placement, assisting with water conservation initiatives and the Water Efficiency Rebate Program.
“I have loved engaging with my local community… I’d definitely recommend the program to other students,” she said.
Other participants included Monash University Environmental Engineering student Chelsea Morgan, who contributed to Sewer Pipeline Condition
Assessments, the Paynesville Master Plan and a flow–meter database, and Bachelor of Software Engineering student Mitchell Padula, who researched software models to detect system anomalies and improve operational efficiency.
“I would 1000 per cent recommend the Vacation Program to other students,” Chelsea said.
Mitchell added, “I have particularly enjoyed learning how different teams collaborate across the organisation.”
The Vacation Student Program runs from November to February each year, with applications open from June 30 to September 30.
The program offers tertiary students an opportunity to explore career interests and gain insight into the water industry.
