Investing in skills pays dividends
TASWATER’S Matthew Robertson — a key member of the Optimisation Team — came to the organisation after he won TasWater’s 2012 Steve Balcombe Scholarship.
Now in its 18th year, the scholarship is awarded to a Tasmanian student starting full-time study in an area relevant to TasWater’s core activities — engineering, environmental science or earth science.
This scholarship allows recipients to gain insight and experience in the water industry and participate in projects with real outcomes.
It is a part of TasWater’s effort to develop and grow the skills necessary to ensure a sustainable water and sewerage industry in Tasmania for the long term.
After graduation, and with 20 weeks’ work experience with TasWater under his belt, Matt joined the organisation and is now using his process engineering qualifications to help make the most of TasWater’s Optimisation program.
He says one of the best outcomes is the interaction between the engineers and operators — those out in the field who work every day in managing our water production facilities and sewage treatment plants.
“The operators are the ones who know these plants like the back of their hand and typically know what needs to be fixed,” he says.
“The Optimisation Team can provide them with the extra data level and confirm their suspicions — it’s definitely helping.”
By building these relationships, TasWater can improve efficiency and develop more cost-effective processes to maintain the quality of our water and improve sewage systems to protect the environment.
“Being part of the Optimisation Team has been a fantastic part of my work at TasWater.”