Graduates at Downer EDI Works

James Kay – Rail Division

“Downer EDI Works have been very supportive and helped me through the difficult transition from Uni into the workforce. This was made easier because there is an inviting and friendly atmosphere. As well as that there is good future prospect for me to build a successful career. My colleagues are eager and willing to provide the tools and knowledge needed to flourish in this industry.

My roles have been varied, challenging and interesting. I have managed large budgets, overseen projects, provided estimating and technical support on site. Together with that, I have been given the day to day responsibilities that are required in the rail industry.

The atmosphere and people at Downer EDI Works are very friendly and inviting. They are more than willing to give the time required to provide the knowledge and skills needed in the rail industry. They do a great job of fostering and nurturing young staff to ensure that they reach their full potential today and for their career ahead of them.

Working with Downer EDI Works has exposed me to a wide range of experiences helping me gain the knowledge tools and know how to succeed with Downer EDI Works as well as within the entire engineering industry.

I have completed great projects since being at Downer EDI Works including the re-sleepering of the West Footscray Rail line and the renewal of the Dimboola pit project. I also worked on the catastrophic Lismore de-railment.

Where to in the future I am often asked? I believe that Downer EDI Works have helped me develop my skills to achieve my goal of becoming a project manager in the rail maintenance and construction industry and boarder construction industry. I know there will be many exciting opportunities along my journey.”

Martin Kinski: Road Division

“I find Downer EDI Works is managed with a fun and progressive team which allows for great job opportunities, especially where hard work is rewarded. The company is growing because of the diverse infrastructure and construction management market it services. They are the market leader in routine and preventative maintenance in Australia and New Zealand.

I am managing 18 staff and sub-contractors. I am also responsible for; contract liaison, negotiations and estimates, identification of risk and opportunity and monthly cost reports. I started as a project engineer supplying technical knowledge to local shires and Vicroads contracts. After a short 12 month period I was promoted into my current role as contract manager of the Vicroads South East Metro contract.

You will be surrounded by friendly colleagues. We have had great corporate events such as triathlons and sporting days which encourages interaction with fellow members of staff in a relaxed environment.

We undergo regular work shop seminars to help us develop. For the past six months I have been attending monthly seminars at a senior legal firm in Melbourne covering various issues relating to corporate and contract law.

Managing a $1.6M roundabout construction was big and now I am managing our largest Vicroads contract covering the whole of the South Eastern metropolitan region. It is running into its fourth year and is valued over $18M.

This company is constantly expanding it is infrastructure and construction management services. Constant opportunities are presented to us. Over the next few years I am looking forward to completing a post graduate degree in Management.”