Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) student Jordan Johns shares his experience of completing his 52883WA Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering (Electrical Systems) and moving straight onto his Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering) degree with EIT while maintaining a harmonious balance between work and home responsibilities.
Jordan Johns On Engineering Hurdles, Achievements, and Future Aspirations
A dedicated New South Wales-based (NSW) student, Jordan Johns, tells us about the advantages of choosing EIT for his engineering education.
He also touches on the hurdles faced in working towards a rigorous bachelor’s degree and highlights his ambitious career aspirations in electrical engineering.
Furthermore, Johns imparts valuable insights and advice for budding engineering enthusiasts who aspire to excel in their studies across various engineering disciplines.
Why did you choose EIT for your Advanced Diploma and bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering?
I was working as an electrician in an underground mine, and I wanted to progress my skillset and venture into the electrical engineering area of the industry. The minimum requirement to work as a statutory electrical engineer in a NSW metals mine was recognition with Engineers Australia at an associate level. The advanced diplomas in electrical engineering that EIT offers provide this recognition.
How has the online format supported your learning, and has it presented any unique challenges or advantages?
The online platform for me was pivotal in allowing me the time to complete both courses and continue to work full-time. If you have a laptop and an internet connection the course can progress anywhere in the world.
What led you to focus on Applied Electrical Engineering and pursue a bachelor of science in electrical engineering?
My goal is to achieve chartered professional status through Engineers Australia. Both the advanced diploma and the bachelor’s are stepping stones for me to achieve this.
Have you utilized EIT’s remote labs as part of your coursework? If so, how has the practical application of skills in a virtual setting contributed to your understanding of electrical engineering concepts?
I recently undertook the final group project with the bachelor’s program. The scope of the unit was to design a hydrogen fuel cell through the use of Matlab Simulink. The EIT remote lab allowed me to log in and complete this without the need to purchase or download any software.
The EIT remote lab also offers access to high-end power system software that helps us understand the theoretical concepts learned throughout the course and applied in a practical setting. This is achieved through software like Powerfactory, ETAP, and PSCAD.
Can you provide an overview of your role at Perilya Broken Hill? What are your primary responsibilities, and in what ways do your EIT qualifications contribute to your current position?
Currently, I am employed as an electrical engineer at the associate level with Perilya Broken Hill. My current role is in the statutory electrical department which involves regulatory compliance with legislation, onboarding of electrical equipment to the site, design work, and protection system testing.
How do you manage your time effectively to excel in your job and academic pursuits, especially considering you’ve done both programs back-to-back?
Develop a schedule for the unit and make it measurable in terms of milestones throughout the course.
Are there skills or knowledge areas that you find particularly valuable in your day-to-day tasks at Perilya Broken Hill?
Perilya Broken Hill is located on a mining lease that commenced mining circa 1885 so I am lucky enough to be exposed to electrical engineering fundamentals that many people don’t get the chance to be involved with. The integration of modern systems has taken place over many years at Perilya and this has allowed me to liaise with the new and the old.
One of the systems that stood out for me was the involvement with the electrical upgrade to our main hoisting system which saw a 60+-year-old winder interfaced with a modern SIL-rated safety system.
What advice do you have for students contemplating a similar educational path?
I can’t speak highly enough about working in an industry that you are concurrently studying. The ability to apply theoretical concepts in a practical setting has a compounding effect on learning. With the electrification of pretty much everything, there is a huge opportunity for anyone who is in the electrical sector. My advice would be to jump in and see where it can take you. Online learning is a fast-tracked method to take you where you want to go.