Patrick Curtis freely admits he didn’t know much about Powerlink when he first saw an advertisement offering student vacation placement opportunities with the electricity transmission provider.
Two months later and Patrick has a greater understanding of the role Powerlink plays in the provision of high voltage electricity and more importantly the particular industry lab services the business offers.
“I’m in a position where I have the unique opportunity to work in a really unique lab,” Patrick said.
“I had no idea Powerlink had a lab let alone provides a range of services for testing oil and insulation used in electrical power transformers.”
“This work placement is giving me the perfect opportunity to gain some real experience under the guidance of experienced chemists, scientists and staff.”
Originally from England and living in Brisbane where he attends QUT to study Environmental Science and Chemistry, Patrick said his vacation placement experience had lived up to what was promoted in the job advertisement.
“I’m able to take what I’m learning at university and apply it practically,” he said.
“The hands-on experience is being made even better by the lab team who are so welcoming and friendly and they’ve been sharing lots of little tips and tricks with me that make jobs more efficient and easier.”
Patrick believes his student vacation placement has allowed him “to spread my wings” and has helped him with employment skills that will be invaluable when he moves into the workforce.
About our Oil Testing Laboratory
Our lab rigorously tests oils and gases from high voltage equipment. This diagnosis helps to determine faults, extend the life of equipment and maintain network reliability.
