The diversity of projects and having direct connections with the community were two reasons that motivated Steven Jakowyna to apply for a graduate engineering position at the City of Swan in 2015.
Now with five years of experience at the City under his belt, the strategic asset management coordinator has made great strides professionally and was recently awarded the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Emerging Young Leader Award.
Steven said graduate engineers seeking a fulfilling and rewarding career should consider applying for a job at the City of Swan.
“Once you have completed the graduate program, the City offers a number of significant career opportunities, where you will be working alongside a group of top-notch engineers and professionals,” Steven said.
With more than $2.9 billion in assets and a number of complex infrastructure projects underway or in planning, Chief Executive Officer Mike Foley said the City was on the lookout for new talent.
“Graduates work on real projects from day one, developing real skills and producing real outcomes for the community,” Mike said.
“The City proudly offers mentorship and guidance from senior staff to enhance our graduate’s quality of work and support them in their professional development.”
Graduates rotate between the City’s operations division where they spend 6-12 months in:
- construction;
- project management;
- design;
- asset management;
- sub-divisional engineering;
- facility management;
- fleet management;
- waste and recycling;
- traffic engineering;
- tender administration;
- contract management.
The City also offers employees secondment and acting opportunities, including an engineering exchange with the Shire of East Pilbara. This provides graduates the opportunity to develop their skills in a different environment.
Mike said the approach was paying dividends for the City and its ratepayers.
“Former graduates are now working in key roles where they are managing the City’s infrastructure and multi-million dollar projects,” he said.
“The enthusiasm and innovation of staff has meant that savings are being made for the community while still delivering high-quality outcomes.”
The City of Swan is currently recruiting for graduates who:
- are community minded individuals;
- are high academic achievers;
- possess strong leadership skills;
- have excellent oral and written communication skills.
