How a well-rounded graduate program goes a long way in understanding the sector we regulate
| Date: | Tuesday, 20 August 2024 |
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The graduate program at the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) prepares its young professionals for a rewarding career. Working on meaningful, real-life projects and learning from experts in their fields, our graduates build the necessary skills needed to thrive in their roles at the end of the program.
The Resource and Environmental Regulation Group recently took this a step further, arranging for one of their future leaders to undertake a three-month placement with a mining operator.
Two years ago, Ebony started as a graduate at the department after completing her degree in Environmental Science with an interest in environmental restoration in a mining context. Now, Ebony is about return to her home area at DEMIRS in the Mining Environmental Compliance branch with a permanent position and a wealth of experience behind her.
Ebony says the ability to rotate through four different areas during the 18-month graduate program gave her a bigger-picture perspective that will be invaluable for her role as an environmental officer.
“I was fortunate to choose graduate rotations that I was not only interested in, but areas that would be beneficial for when I came back to my home team.”
In addition to the Abandoned Mines Program team within the department, Ebony’s other two rotations were external, including the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction. For something slightly out-of-the-box, yet highly relevant, the other placement was at mining company, Mount Gibson.
“Recognising it’s challenging to regulate an industry you’re unfamiliar with straight out of university, my manager was really proactive in finding me a placement where I could be exposed to on ground activities and the challenges facing mining operators.
“I have learnt so much,” Ebony said. “From understanding the legislation and approvals process from another perspective, to seeing how industry and WA government agencies interact,” she continues.
“Just being on the ground and seeing what happens onsite has been extremely useful.”
Feeling she’s made strides in her confidence and communication skills, Ebony is now looking forward to moving beyond the small-scale exploration approvals she started with, to looking at mining proposals and mine closure plans.
