Jasmine Quick

Ok, so. In 2015, I was in year 12 completing a vocation education certificate. This certificate meant I was doing traditional schooling 3 days a week, 1 day of trade school (cert ii electrotechnology) and 1 day of work placement (initially at an auto elec mechanic, and then in the maintenance department of the local Gyprock manufacturer. Through the experience at the factory, the team manager for the autotechs introduced me to PLCs by giving me a quick lesson, and a laptop and 17slot ControlLogix chassis to take home and tinker around with. I had a great time at this work placement, and staying there for several months until I graduated highschool.

After that, I emailed the Engineering manager for that site, and was able to secure a position as their Electrical apprentice the following February (2016). During my apprenticeship, I received a lot of training in rockwell PLC programming and SCADA editing, working on projects including a massive safety upgrade, installing a 3D camera to check product shape and quality, a production line mixer upgrade, and other continuous improvement projects. I completed my apprenticeship in November 2019, and joined their Automation team straight away, working as an auto tech until February 2022, when I left the company to join GPS Electrical Services as a floating Engineer/Maintenance Electrician. At GPS, I have completed some of my first major projects, including building a new ammonia detection system as part of a chiller upgrade, and converting a whole site from FactoryTalk View to Ignition Perspective, while also occasionally covering maintenance shifts at various manufacturing plants. I tried to study an Advanced Diploma of Mechatronic Engineering after completing my apprenticeship, but I really struggled with balancing the shift work and full-time study (the Uni didn't really offer a part time option). It's been a great journey, with so many opportunities to learn, and I've loved every step.