Student profiles
Karl Blakebrough Work experience in a local engineering firm cemented Karl Blakebrough’s decision to follow a career in civil engineering. Based at the Waurn Ponds Campus, he is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Engineering Scholars Program). Karl was awarded a Barwon Water Engineering Scholarship after achieving an ENTER of 89.70 in his final year at Christian College in Geelong. He receives an annual scholarship of $5 000 for the duration of his course and the opportunity to undertake paid work experience at Barwon Water over the summer break. Wanting to stay in the area and enjoy a coastal lifestyle, Deakin was a logical choice for Karl who liked the friendly, semi-rural feel of the Campus and the fact that civil engineering is now offered. Civil engineering was a natural choice for Karl who has always had a passion for construction, building of roads and infrastructure. “I like the common sense aspect of civil engineering, the practical approach to engineering. I like the idea of helping the community out in a direct manner, and helping to shape the environment. I’m able to see what I have been involved with, like sections of the Ring Road project that I have been a part of.” In Year 12 Karl took physics and mathematical methods which guided his way into engineering. He deferred last year and, following his interests, gained employment with engineering firm TGM Group in Geelong. “Work experience reinforced the fact that I wanted to do engineering. It gave me experience in a ‘real life job’ and an idea as to what a job in engineering would actually be like. It also built on my personal skills by giving me experience in dealing with other people in a business environment and taking me out of my comfort zone.” Karl gets to work at Barwon Water for 12 weeks during the summer holidays as part of the scholarship. “Work experience at Barwon Water will build on the knowledge and experience that I already have. I’m really looking forward to it. It will definitely be worthwhile and rewarding. There are two sides to civil engineering: road and drainage construction; and water and sewerage. I gained experience with both aspects while working with TGM Group. Work experience with Barwon Water will further extend my prior knowledge of water infrastructure and broaden my knowledge of the Geelong region and its services.”
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