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Maddison Petrie

from I.T Technician to Electrical and Instrumentation Apprentice
I work with electrical equipment to ensure it operates safely and correctly
Industry
Energy, gas and oil
Company
Shell's QGC Business
Job Level
Entry
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Ask me about

  • Completing school and starting as an I.T Technician
  • Starting a traineeship as a Structural Designer
  • Beginning my apprenticeship and getting a trade

About me

  • Regional Background

After completing high school, I began working in a small civil construction company as a I.T Technician. A couple years later I relocated to Brisbane and started work in a large engineering firm as a Trainee structural designer. Unfortunately, I became redundant, so I moved back home and started work in a local butcher shop. 

In 2017 along came my beautiful daughter Amelia. Life as I knew it had just become a whole lot busier, but I am now even more determined to succeed. Little did I know that in just 12 months’ time I would be kick starting the beginning of my career.

Now as an Apprentice I look back at what I have achieved, how far I have come and can’t wait to help other girls on their own pathway to success.

About my role

  • Independent
  • Passionate
  • Personable
  • Understanding

As an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician, you will perform general maintenance, testing, calibration, installation, repair and inspection on all sorts of electrical, manufacturing and monitoring equipment. Most Instrumentation equipment requires very precise measuring and monitoring systems to regulate flow and pressure rates, keep track of production, manage power use, and ensure safety. Working on a live gas plant some typical jobs can include working with voltage and current meters, playing with engineering computer software, using electronic probes to diagnose faults, ensuring emergency controls activate when needed or installing a 4.5T gas turbine.

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Education

  • Year 12 Certificate
  • Certificate II Engineering

Subjects

  • Digital Design/Information Technology
  • Engineering/Engineering Skills

Awards

  • Regional Finalist Queensland Training Awards 2020
  • Waalitj Foundation Shell QGC Indigenous Scholarship Recipient

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Camping
  • Renovating
  • Seeing family and friends

Pets

  • 1 Dog

15 year old me!!

“Don’t shy away from your goals even if it seems “too hard” or you get knocked back, use it as extra motivation. Just remember goals won’t happen overnight and if there’s a will there's a way.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Structural Designer Cadetship
  2. Made Redundant
  3. Worked in a butcher shop
  4. Had a baby
  5. Electrical & Instrument- ation Apprentice

My typical day

My employer

Shell has operated in Australia since 1901. From operating Australia’s first oil refinery, which was central to meeting Australia’s fuel needs, to fuelling the first Qantas commercial flight in the 1920s, to playing a foundation role in building some of Australia’s largest and most innovative natural resource developments. Throughout this 122-year relationship the needs of their customers and the nation have changed and they have continued transforming their portfolio to meet these needs. Today, they are a leading natural gas producer and are playing their part in the transition to a low-carbon future by investing in the power sector, renewable energy sources and carbon abatement activities.