Diary of a Hunter Water work experience student: Phoenix

We recently hosted high school student Phoenix for a week of work experience. At the end of his week, we asked Phoenix a few questions about his time at Hunter Water:

How has your understanding changed of the way Hunter Water delivers water and wastewater services?

Previously, I only knew of Hunter Water as my dad's workplace and not as one of the most important businesses in the Hunter.

I had an early start arriving at the North Lambton Depot around 7am. I was introduced to a highly experienced staff member who showed me what a day looks like as a first responder, using a computer to locate jobs and attending them to determine what action needed to be taken, if he couldn’t address it himself.

Midweek was most enjoyable. I spent it in the Control Room. I spent 2 hours with each of the System Controllers, Water Network Ops teams and Wastewater Network Ops teams. I learnt so much about general water and wastewater assets and how the systems and treatment plants work, and further developed my understanding of the network.

On Thursday I spent the day learning from one of Hunter Water's Mechanical Engineers where I saw and participated in installing a water flow meter in Bellbird Heights. I saw the pipe excavation, and helped build the flow meter.

On my last day, Friday, I spent time with the team in Developer Services, understanding what that part of the business does, from issuing requirements letters, completing design reviews and oversight of development to ensure they meet the WSAA codes.

What are the different teams or areas of the Hunter Water business where you could see yourself working in the future?
If I am lucky enough to work at Hunter Water, I could see myself as a Civil Engineer or Project Manager.

What was a key reason it was good to do a week of work experience at Hunter Water?
My week at Hunter Water gave me insight into a variety of areas of the business. A key reason it was such a great experience was the valuable and intelligent people who work at Hunter Water make this business easy-going yet productive.

I really enjoyed my time here and it has certainly opened my eyes to a number of different career pathways. Hunter Water has a fantastic culture and seems like a great place to work!

Interested to learn more about Hunter Water’s work experience program? Follow this link: https://www.hunterwater.com.au/about-us/careers/work-experience