Meet the grads

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The SRLA Graduate Program is a unique and exciting introduction to the world of transport infrastructure, offering graduates a wide range of experience over the two-year program.

Working across Rail & Infrastructure, Corporate Services, Planning & Precincts, Strategic Communications and more, our grads get the chance to challenge themselves and build their skills through rotations across the organisation.

Learning from leaders in their fields, grads also receive great development and networking opportunities to help them build a stable foundation for their future careers.

But don’t just take our word for it, hear from our 2021 grads!

Conor Cochrane – Graduate Engineer

Rotations to date: Engineering Team, Rail Operations

Why did you want to join the SRLA Graduate Program?

I heard about Suburban Rail Loop and was really excited by the new technology that was going to be used, as well as the benefits that SRL would bring to Victorians.

The rotation aspect of the grad program was especially appealing. It is a great chance to gain experience and development across multiple areas of engineering. SRL is a project that not only excites me and provides me with great development opportunities, but it will also have a positive impact on the city.

What do you like most about the program?

A lot of my colleagues are experts in their field and have many years — if not decades — of experience in engineering and the rail industry. Surrounded by industry experts, I get mentorship in specific engineering fields, upskilling me and helping me figure out what engineering fields interest me the most.

Being involved in a wide range of work has allowed me to develop a broad range of skills and knowledge I hope will serve as a strong foundation for a successful career in engineering.

Biggest achievement so far during the program?

I am very proud of the work I have done on project scoping for future delivery contractors. It is a large piece of work requiring many workshops and contributions from the wider team, and it will be an important input for our Interface Control and System Architecture teams.

Senal Fernando – Graduate Engineer

Rotations to date: Rail & Infrastructure Delivery, Tunnels

Why did you want to join the SRLA Graduate Program?

Connecting every major metropolitan rail line to regional lines via seamless interchanges is vital for our public transport network.

The way SRL will transform Victoria’s public transport system and create smarter and more sustainable transport really resonated with me.

What do you like most about the program?

Coming into this industry with little real world experience, what I have learned so far has been invaluable.

As a graduate, transitioning from university into the industry isn’t always easy. The ongoing support I’ve received from SRLA means a relaxed transition. It is also delightful to know everyone — internal or external to your team — is always helpful and willing to share their knowledge and skills.

Even as a grad I’ve been involved in discussions and key decision-making meetings which has helped me gain an understanding of the processes and design thinking methodology involved in developing successful outcomes.

Advice for people thinking about applying?

Kickstarting your career on SRL is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The graduate program with SRLA is your doorway into developing a strong foundation for your career and is a great opportunity to collaborate with others who are just as passionate about your field.

Stephen Tang – Graduate, Strategy and Investment

Rotations to date: Planning and Precincts Strategy and Investment, Office of the CEO

Why did you want to work on SRL?

Victoria’s transport infrastructure is one of its defining qualities. With transport having such a large impact on our quality of life, and even the identity of the city itself, it’s not every day you get a chance to contribute to something you know will positively impact our city. It’s for this reason I wanted to work on SRL.

What do you like most about the program?

The grad program has been an amazing way to start my career. The work encompasses so many different fields and disciplines, and requires the collaboration of many different types of professionals. It has opened many doors for me, and has given me the chance to meet, experience, and contribute to many different types of work.

Advice for people thinking about applying?

I recommend applying. An investment of this scale needs different types of people from diverse backgrounds. It’s definitely a great way to develop and gain a variety of skills and experiences that will be applicable throughout your career.

Suburban Rail Loop