An incredible impact
In his role as Protection Metering Engineering Officer at Powerlink, Elijah has had the opportunity to travel around to substations all over Queensland to enable the connection and protection of clean power across the state. Working on a wind farm in the Far North Queensland tablelands is just one of the incredible opportunities he’s had in his time at Powerlink.
“One of the most exciting things about Powerlink is the chance to work out in the field, setting up new substations and protection systems to enable Queensland’s clean energy future.”
For Elijah, though, being out in the field is just a bonus. What’s far more rewarding about his work is the powerful positive impact he has on his home state.
“The work we’re doing is enabling heavy industry, business development and people to keep their lights on, electric cars powered, and houses warm or cool. What we’re accomplishing is exciting enough, but the equipment we’re using to do it is also impressive. Some of the locations you go to and the engineering feats you’re surrounded by are incredible.”
While Sefanit Birku’s role at Powerlink has kept her closer to home, she feels fortunate to have worked on a variety of exciting projects, gaining plenty of unique experiences along the way.
“I love that every project here is different. Whether it’s a transmission connection for a solar project, battery project or wind farm project, every issue you’re working to solve is unique. And with how technology is advancing, the amount of learning we are exposed to is quite amazing. I don’t think you could get this at other places. For me, learning and developing with technology and keeping up with new advancements is what I find most exciting. It’s the kind of job that’s never going to be boring.”
Playing a role in the renewable revolution
Talk to anyone at Powerlink, and they’ll say there’s never been a more exciting time to join the electricity industry. Why? For so many reasons, but one of the biggest draw cards is the opportunity to work at the forefront of the renewable transformation. And for Elijah, what matters most is that no one gets left behind.
“We’ve opened up training and development hubs in Gladstone and Townsville, which will play a key role in supporting and providing confidence for local energy industry workers through the energy transformation. It’s great to see there’s a solid plan in place; I really think that will help ease us into the renewable transition. It’s awesome that we’re making sure that even in other industries, we’re not leaving people high and dry.”
Sarah, our General Manager Design Solutions, also feels a sense of responsibility for ensuring this change has a positive impact on every Queenslander, now and in the future.
“Moving to a clean, renewable power generation is going to be a very important part of everyone’s future. Yes, we have a lot of challenges to overcome to deliver that goal, but we just need to do as much as we can.”
The future is calling
Our people share a deep passion for creating change, and there’s no better place for them to do this than at Powerlink. Having been with us for nearly 30 years, Leanne Maurice has seen the integral role Powerlink plays in generating Queensland’s power for generations to come. And she knows it’s only going to be more critical in the future.
“The next few years will be huge for us. Because Powerlink is responsible for the transmission of power for more than five million Queenslanders, everything we do on a daily basis has an impact, and our responsibility to maintain that in the future will definitely have an impact. It’s kind of daunting to have those big conversations and try to pre-empt what will happen, but it’s also very exciting.”
Elijah agrees that the critical nature of the work we’re undertaking now only makes him more excited for the future - for both his career and Queensland.
“It’s the greatest energy transformation we’ve seen in many generations. For the first time in human history, we’re experiencing unprecedented growth coupled with a seismic shift in the way we supply electricity. And with unprecedented growth comes unprecedented opportunities. Powerlink is at ground zero; joining us means joining a backbone infrastructure company that’s fundamental to the transformation. New roles are being advertised every day as our business continues to grow, so you never know where your future might take you once you’re in Powerlink.”