When Nqobile Mdlolo saw the need to stay competitive in engineering, she chose growth over standing still. What followed was a shift that challenged her perspective on what it means to grow in the field.
This feature explores Nqobile’s journey as she shares how further study, practical learning, and a commitment to continuous improvement shaped her approach to engineering and career development.
Nqobile Petunia Mdlolo’s engineering journey began with a foundation in instrumentation. After completing her N6 in Instrumentation, she qualified as an Instrument Mechanician and entered the workforce with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to begin her career. Like many graduates entering the engineering industry, she soon encountered the reality of a highly competitive job market where many candidates shared similar qualifications.
While her instrumentation experience provided a strong foundation, Nqobile recognized that relying solely on her existing qualification would not be enough to stand out in a competitive engineering field. Although she was already employed as an Instrument Mechanician, she became aware of the challenges that could affect her long-term career stability.
With many positions requiring years of experience and an increasingly competitive job market, Nqobile began to consider how she could strengthen her skills and create new opportunities. As she shared, “Instead of waiting for that day to arrive, I decided to prepare myself.” This decision eventually encouraged her to pursue further studies and continue growing within the engineering field.
After discovering the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) through a connection on LinkedIn, Nqobile found a program that aligned with her career goals. She went on to complete the 52886WA Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering*. The course eventually expanded her knowledge in automation, programming, and modern industrial technologies while allowing her to build on her instrumentation background. Through her studies at EIT, Nqobile experienced a learning approach that connected engineering concepts with practical industry applications. The course challenged her academically.
For Nqobile, one of the most valuable aspects of the program was learning how automation concepts could be applied in actual work settings. As she shared, “Topics such as automation, PLC programming, industrial communication systems, and process control gave me a much broader understanding of engineering than I had before.” This helped Nqobile move beyond her instrumentation background.
She soon developed a stronger understanding of process optimization, advanced troubleshooting techniques, and how control processes work together. It also gave her greater confidence in analyzing technical issues and solving practical problems present in her line of work. Alongside the technical skills she developed, Nqobile also valued the learning tools that supported her progress throughout the program.
For her, the virtual classrooms and recorded lectures provided flexibility. This allowed her to revisit lessons where she appreciated the guidance and encouragement she received from her lecturers throughout the program. “The administrative support, especially Mr. Paul Celenza, made a significant difference. He always ensured that we received the assistance we needed.”
The laboratory activities were another valuable part of Nqobile’s learning journey. For her, one of the most meaningful aspects of the course was working on automation and control system assignments that simulated real industrial situations. “I like that there were enough lab resources for everyone to use, which made it easy to practice without feeling limited.”
Eventually, Nqobile noticed a significant improvement in the way she approached actual plant problems in the workplace even before completing her studies at EIT. Instead of simply replacing components, she began analyzing systems more logically and identifying root causes. This change in mindset was also recognized by her supervisors where they began relying on her more during complex breakdowns because of her improved troubleshooting abilities.
As Nqobile shared, “It was during a night shift when operators were struggling to restart a filter press. After calmly following the troubleshooting process, I quickly identified the fault, resolved it within minutes, and successfully restored production. Moments like that showed me how much I had grown, both technically and professionally.”
Nqobile’s journey was shaped not only by the technical knowledge and skills she developed, but also by the challenges she had to overcome along the way.
As an Instrument Mechanician working 12-hour shifts on a six-day-on, three-day-off rotation, she had to manage unexpected workplace responsibilities while staying committed to her studies. But the flexibility of EIT’s work integrated learning model allowed her to continue progressing without stepping away from her professional responsibilities. As Nqobile recalls, “Studying at EIT has completely changed my perspective on my career.”
Looking ahead, she aims to continue building her career in industrial automation by taking on more challenging engineering responsibilities and contributing to improvements in industrial processes. In the long term, she hopes to become a respected automation and control systems professional who can lead projects and mentor future engineering professionals.
Reflecting on her experience, Nqobile encourages future EIT students to believe in the value of their growth. She believes that the effort invested in education can transform careers and open doors that may have once seemed out of reach.
*VSL-approved course, maximum tuition fee for Australian students: $12,112.00
Are you ready to embark on a similar journey?
This article was published August 13th, 2026 and the content is current as at the date of publication.
Back to student stories