Jonathan Riley
Graduate Electrical Engineer
Mount Arthur, Hunter Valley Energy Coal
Australia
Out of university and into the workforce...
Not surprisingly, working on site in the mining
industry is a very different experience from
studying at a tertiary educational institution.
But adapting to new and challenging
situations is just one aspect of being a graduate
in BHP Billiton. Other aspects include
working in a team environment; a course at
Melbourne Business School; online learning;
familiarisation with plant, equipment and
procedures; and developing both soft and
specific skills.
I have been working in the Coal Handling
and Processing Plant at Mt Arthur Coal as
a graduate electrical engineer. Since starting
two and a half months ago, I have spent much
of my time learning how the plant operates
and familiarising myself with the site rules
and regulations.
I have already been involved in a number of
activities and projects, including being placed
on shift work with the operators, modifying
the computer code which operates the plant
and managing a small project done by
contractors on our circular reclaimer.
I have also been completing online learning
modules as part of the graduate course work.
These learning modules give an overview
of how each Customer Sector Group and
Functional Group operates within the
company structure and the services they
provide to help make BHP Billiton a success.
In addition to the online components of
the program, I am also preparing to travel
to Melbourne in February to Melbourne
Business School where I will be involved in a
one-week intensive training course.
Though new and relatively inexperienced
compared to my peers, I believe I have been
able to make a positive contribution to the
company, plant and the team I work in by
being an active member of my team; adding
and encouraging the culture of safety on our
plant; working hard to achieve high quality
results; and promoting and living the BHP
Billiton Charter.
There is still much for me to learn and
experience over the next two years of the
graduate program and I am looking forward
to the challenges and learning opportunities
ahead of me as I grow and develop
professionally.
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