Giang Ngo
Professional Officer, Regency Park
(Naval Architect from Private Sector)

I completed a Bachelor of Naval Architecture from University of New South Wales, then spent a few years working in the design office of a marine consultant firm in Queensland before returning to Sydney to work for a marine design firm specialising in design of high speed crafts.
I became aware of a vacancy in the department through a friend who was working here.  I researched the position and found that it could really offer me many opportunities to develop my career both in terms of technical expertise and project management skills.  These skills were exactly what I was looking for at the time.
I applied for a position in the department through a recruitment agency in late 2005, and following the success of my application I began to work for the department in early 2006.
In my current role as a plan approval Naval Architect I am responsible for the safe operation of commercial crafts through examining their design to ensure that they possess adequate structural and stability characteristics.  I have enjoyed dealing with a wide range of people including boat owners, builders, designers, and many others associated with both the department and the boating industry.  I am currently involved in the development of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels.
The department has supported me in furthering my education.  I have been to training courses, attended various management and leadership learning modules, and allowed time off work to attend lectures at university. My goal is to progress forward to attain a charter engineer status and I believe this job provides me with an excellent opportunity to acquire it.

Jason Howard
Trainee Service SA, Mt Gambier
(Trainee)

I had just finished both moving house and studying for an Information Technology certificate at TAFE and wanted something different to expand on the skills I already had.   This traineeship therefore was a perfect start in a new place.  I had no idea what the office was like at Mount Gambier's Service SA yet I have been there a few times and had an idea of what I was getting myself into.  During my interview with Service SA I had a sampling of the friendliness of who they were and that every person is on equal ground to each other.
I'm working as a Trainee Customer Service Officer and my Customer Service Traineeship is based loosely around the Certificate IV in Business with units chosen to best suit the office.  I am very much a part of the team, even though I get some time off to do my studies.
I am almost at the end of my traineeship and it's been one of the best moments in my life.  I've met a great group of people and enjoy being a part of the team I work with each day.  With the end of the traineeship, I know I have a future for I have gained hands-on experience which money cannot buy.
Out of the whole traineeship, the most enjoyable part I have experienced is that I am not treated any differently from the rest of the staff.  I am a member of the team and it has not mattered how long I have been here, I am still a valuable employee. I appreciate that!
The future is open ahead of me. I enjoy working with customers and plan on continuing employment in this field.  Right now, my feet are firmly in place and it is a good feeling for anyone looking for a foot in the door!

Jessica Wilkins
Policy Development Project Officer, Strategic Services
(Architect graduate)

I completed a Bachelor of Design Studies in 1997 and a Bachelor of Architecture in 2000 from the University of Adelaide.  I then worked as a CAD draftsperson, architectural model-maker and video store attendant before joining the department.
During my years at Uni, I became interested in environmental and sustainable design, in particular, as it relates to the built form.  I realised that by working in government I could be involved in the influence of policy.  I applied to be on the Graduate Program and was fortunate to attain the position of Environmental Project Officer within Building Management in the department.
The best thing about my work is that it changes with each new project, some of which are long-term., for example, I was involved in the development of South Australia's Greenhouse Strategy for the building sector.  Some are more short-term projects relating to various aspects, practices, and built form life cycle processes.
Throughout my time in the department, I've been supported in the continuation of my education; I've been to training courses, attended various seminars and was encouraged to become a Green Star Accredited Professional, which I managed to do in April this year. I like the continual learning element that this work involves.

Jillian Hood
Asphalt Engineer, Pavements and Structures
(Civil Engineer graduate and past Sylvia Birdseye Scholarship holder)

My qualifications are in Civil Engineering (Civil and Water) and Applied Science (Biodiversity, Conservation and Park Management) with first class honours from the University of South Australia.
I was awarded the DTEI Sylvia Birdseye Scholarship when I started Uni.  The scholarship provided vacation work every year in addition to employment opportunities at the completion of my degree.  I was also able to undertake part time work during the final year of my course and jump into the graduate rotation program immediately on completing my degree.  Staff in the department have been really friendly and helpful.  Many of my colleagues even offered assistance with my studies throughout my degree.
I was recently awarded a permanent position in the Pavements & Structures Section after being on the rotation program for 6 months.  I currently work in a technical area of DTEI and enjoy the satisfaction I get from testing and doing very hands on practical work.  I conduct inspections on site and liaise with contractors, while also being able to do some meaningful research work.
I'm hoping to start my PhD in July and although I'm not completely sure where I'll end up, I'm positive that I will enjoy the journey there, and get many worthwhile experiences to add to my portfolio.

John Calder
Project Manager, Infrastructure Delivery, Projects Directorate
(Overseas recruit and Civil Engineer)

I graduated from Warwick University, England, UK, with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Civil Engineering in 1989. I initially joined the Waterman Partnership, a firm of consulting civil and structural engineers based in London, as a Graduate Engineer under an Institution of Civil Engineers training agreement.  I spent three challenging, but rewarding years, both in the design office and on-site working on a wide range of civil engineering projects in the south-east of England.  I then moved into the UK local government sector where I spent a further fifteen years in various positions including Transport Planner, Project Manager, Strategy Manager, Area Highway Manager and Head of Public Realm for Hertfordshire, Essex and Kent County Councils, three of the major local authorities in the south-east bordering London.  I have also qualified as a Chartered Civil Engineer and Chartered Transport Planner.
I am married to Carole and we have a 4 year old son named Paisley.  After nearly 40 years living in the UK, we decided to look for an opportunity to move and live abroad.  I subsequently applied for a job with the department.  There were a number of reasons for choosing the department including my desire to remain in the government sector, the range of job opportunities on offer, working conditions and family friendly policies.  We were also tempted by the benefits that Adelaide has to offer including climate, beaches, cost of living, schooling and the greater opportunities for an outdoor life!  We immigrated to Adelaide in March 2007 and have settled in Stirling in Adelaide Hills.
The department has been very helpful and accommodating throughout the job appointment, visa application, immigration and settlement process.  Starting a new life in a new country with your family is very challenging and the department has been extremely supportive throughout.  Having initially worked as a Planning Manager in Planning & Design, I am now working as a Project Manager in Infrastructure Delivery.  The people are friendly and the work is challenging but enjoyable.  I particularly like being involved in the various stages of projects through feasibility, design and construction.  I am looking forward to settling long-term in Adelaide, staying with the department and seeking further career advancement opportunities in the future.