Author: adbri

When did you start with Adbri and what attracted you to join us? What is your role and qualifications?

I joined Adbri Cement & Lime in February 2024 as part of the Adbri graduate program, having completed the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) at the end of 2023 with Flinders University. During the graduate program, I have the opportunity to experience four 6-month rotations – my first role working in the Quality team at Birkenhead. I was interested in joining Adbri because of the opportunity to experience different roles within the quality team, and the challenge to apply my background in chemistry and problem solving to a different field. I was also impressed by their level of communication and positive engagement throughout the onboarding process, which has continued into my graduate program.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day in this role involves the routinely morning production and quality meetings to review the past 24hrs of plant production. After such reviews, the day tends to be quite flexible depending on the priorities of that week. This might involve laboratory testing, short or long-term data trending/analysis, and/or project work.

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy the challenge that comes with the mixed and varied nature of the role, and opportunity to continue developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. I value the balance between having both a level of routine and structure, as well as the unpredictability that is expected to come with a plant that operates 24/7 making every day different. This, in addition to the continual support and encouragement of the other Quality team members makes Adbri a really enjoyable working environment. Since starting with Adbri, I am still just beginning to learn and discover how complex the chemistry and impacts of each variable makes on achieving cement quality, which has made being involved in the process quite rewarding.

What would be one piece of advice you would give to your younger self and what career advice would you share with other women or younger females looking at entering the world of engineering?

Advice I would give both to my younger self and to any other young individuals looking at a career in engineering is to never be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes it can be daunting and I myself have not always had the confidence to speak up but asking for further clarification or questioning/challenging why things are done in certain ways is a great way to not only build your own understanding, but potentially improve the way things are being done or taught.

When did you start with Adbri and what attracted you to join us?

I joined Adbri in October 2023. After graduating, I briefly worked at Adbri as a lab technician, so I am already familiar with the working environment and culture, which I found to be a great fit for me. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in heavy metal processing and wanted to get involved in process machinery operations. The combination of a supportive work environment, my passion for heavy metal processes, and the convenient location made joining Adbri an excellent and fulfilling decision.

What is your role and qualifications?

I am currently working as a Graduate Process Engineer. I have a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Pharmaceutical) (Honours) from the University of Adelaide.

What does a typical day (week?) look like?

I usually start my day with our daily morning meeting to catch up on updates from the night shift. After that, I return to my desk and spend time modelling process improvements and analysing data. Some days, I am out on the plant inspecting machines and taking measurements to ensure everything is running smoothly. Other days, I spend time in the lab, conducting experiments and testing materials to support our process improvements. No two days are the same, and sometimes there are unexpected challenges, but that’s what makes the job so interesting. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What do you love most about your job?

Engineering is a journey of continuous learning and skill development. Each day brings new challenges to solve, making it an exciting field for those who love problem-solving and science. I also enjoy working on-site, as it allows me to see machine designs from the inside out, offering a profound understanding of their workings.

What do you like most about working at Adbri?

I really enjoy working at Adbri because of the incredible company culture that emphasizes innovation and collaboration. From day one, I’ve felt supported by my colleagues and encouraged to bring new ideas to the table. One aspect that stands out to me is the Graduate Program. It provided structured guidance and mentorship, allowing me to develop both technical skills, industry knowledge and communication skills in a supportive environment. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to kickstart my career and contribute meaningfully to Adbri.

What career advice would you share with other women or younger females looking at entering the world of engineering?

My advice to aspiring women engineers is to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and remain persistent, focused, and proud of their work. Learning from others and seeking a career mentor, especially in the early stages, can be transformative, providing invaluable support and insights.