Why Powerlink has been the perfect place to spark a career
When Dani first joined our team in 2009, she was a fresh-faced electrical apprentice. Now, as one of our Secondary Systems Support Engineers, Dani plays an important role in helping us keep the lights on across the Sunshine State. The best bit? She’s doing it alongside a team that’s got her back when she needs it most.
Background work, essential work
As a child, Dani loved pulling things apart to figure out how they worked. Initially, she had more enthusiasm than ability, like the time she dismantled the family’s Foxtel box. “I’m not sure what my parents made of that!” she laughs.
But practice makes perfect, and Dani has come a long way since then. She’s now a highly skilled member of the Powerlink engineering team, sought after for her expertise and knowledge. And most importantly, she loves what she does every day.
“What I love most about my job is the technical side of things. It involves real-world, real-time problem-solving, and it's incredibly satisfying to fix issues, especially when things don't go as planned. When you find and resolve a fault, it’s particularly rewarding.”
As a Secondary Systems Support Engineer, Dani provides technical engineering support to the protection and control system field teams, frequently visiting various substation sites. She assists in resolving complex faults and errors, conducts testing, and oversees the protection panels at Powerlink’s Head Office. Dani has also played a role in exciting new technology initiatives, such as connecting batteries to Queensland's grid to support renewable energy integration. She takes pride in the tangible impact of her work.
“Not long ago, we refurbished a substation out in Western Queensland. We needed to disconnect all the equipment, relocate it and reconnect it into a new control system. You need to be really across the details to avoid major impacts to our operations, and we were successful at that, which was such a good feeling. What we do is important - I mean, I want electricity at my home!”
The chance to grow
Keeping the lights on across the state is a big responsibility, requiring Dani to be detail oriented and highly focused.
“If a switch turns on that isn’t meant to or if it fails to turn off when it’s meant to, like when a tree branch hits a powerline, that can be very serious,” Dani says. “That’s why we need to be very careful about mitigating these risks through routine maintenance, to make sure all equipment and plant is fit for purpose for the duration of its service life. But when you work in this field, there's always a very low risk that something could potentially explode. Not everyone can say that at their job!”
Dani has built a career that matters at Powerlink by taking advantage of every opportunity available to her. When she started with us as an electrical apprentice, her goal was to become a sparky. But with Powerlink’s support, she began her Advanced Diploma. This led to her transitioning into a Test Technician role, and upon completing her degree, she joined our graduate program.
“I’ve really grown up professionally with Powerlink. The grad program allowed me to explore different positions. That journey brought me full circle, and I love the fit of my current role.”
We asked Dani what opportunity at Powerlink looks like to her.
“To me, it’s about making changes in your life. Powerlink has been fantastic to me, and I was fortunate to get the apprenticeship. You need to have the drive to reach your goals. If there’s an opportunity you’re after, you just need to put your hand up. There’s always someone who will help you with that.”
Human connection
Monday is Dani’s work-from-home day. The mother of two loves her home office time once a week, especially as a fuzzy black puppy recently joined the household! She also has Fridays off to spend time with her three year old. But the rest of the week Dani enjoys coming into our Virginia office so she can connect with colleagues, ask questions and keep learning and growing.
“My team is really friendly and always willing to step up and help out if required. They understand I have kids to pick up so, if a fault comes in at the end of the day they're always willing to lend a hand to help me get a resolution faster.”
Before Dani joined Powerlink, she applied for work experience at another company and was made to feel her gender would be a problem. Fortunately, Dani says this wasn’t the case at Powerlink.
“I was one of two female apprentices who started at the time. I never found my gender a barrier and everyone I worked with treated me with the same respect as anyone else. I am still remembered for keeping my tradesman’s vehicle tidy, which was very out of character for him!”
And as for powering on into the future, what's Dani looking forward to?
“I’m excited to keep learning and gaining a solid knowledge base to help the field crews with a multitude of issues. Technology keeps emerging so there is always something new to learn whether it’s a new product or a whole new system.”