Life's one big learning curve

22 May 2024

A group of Murray Irrigation Infrastructure staff has embarked upon a Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations to expand their skills and knowledge.

Murray Irrigation's Infrastructure team plays a critical role in maintaining the company's assets and keeping the company's vast channel network operating at its best.


The 18-month TAFE course, which is being conducted in-house, recognises the prior experience of the   participating staff members, and will provide them with a nationally recognised qualification upon completion.   


The program involves a mixture of theory sessions, practical on the job training and onsite assessments.


The participants will also be able to acquire their machinery operator tickets for excavators, front end loaders, bulldozers and graders through the course. 

Jordan Haynes, who joined the Murray Irrigation team as an experienced plant operator almost a year ago, is one of 16 plant operators and field techs who have put up their hands to undertake the Certificate III.


"It's a good opportunity to get recognised for the skills that I already have, and to be able to build on them," Jordan said.


"I'd like to continue my career progression through the civil side of things, and this course will allow me to develop my knowledge and on the job training to help further that."   


Deniliquin Supervisor, Ben Burge, who has worked at Murray Irrigation for three years, said he is particularly looking forward to refining his plant operating skills through the program.   


"I'm a mechanic by trade, so I haven't had a lot of exposure to operating machines - and the civil side is all still pretty fresh," Ben said.


"I want to try and get myself up to speed a lot quicker than what I am."


While it might have been a few years, both Ben and Jordan are not too fazed about being back in the classroom (despite it involving a reintroduction to Pythagorus Theorem!). 


"There's a fair bit of maths in it," Ben said.


"I found that a bit of a challenge, but I'll get over it. Once you get used to it, it will become second nature. 


"Knowledge is the foundation of the job, so it will all help."


Jordan is quick to agree. 


"Because what we're learning is directly related to the job, it makes it relevant and much more interesting," he said. 


"If you got me back into the classroom dissecting a book, I wouldn't be too enthused on that!" 


Murray Irrigation is delighted to see staff members embrace this valuable career development opportunity. 


We wish Ben, Jordan and their fellow MIL training participants all the best in the learning journey ahead. 


Photo (L-R): Deniliquin Supervisor Ben Burge and Plant Operator Jordan Haynes.



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