Amazing Career Journeys
Profile
Timothy Keen
Electrical/Instrumentation Leader
Bio
Timothy enjoys working as a Electrical/Instrumentation Leader for Pelican Point Power (International Power).
He grew up on a farm in the country but decided to come to the city and do an apprenticeship at Holden’s. Tim really enjoyed his work at Holden’s but he wanted to do something different. Pelican Point Power offered him that. Tim moved out of the automobile industry into a more responsible leadership role with PPP and hasn’t looked back. Tim spends his work day ensuring all systems are operating correctly and that any electrical issues are handled swiftly and effectively. Tim liked doing his study via an apprenticeship because it allowed him to get hands-on experience as he was studying. He is a great advocate for apprenticeships!
Questions
Questions & Answers
- What is the best aspect about your work?
- Every day presents new challenges and work never feels repetitive. There’s always something new to learn, and the great team of people I work with help me solve the problems I am faced with.
- What is the most challenging aspect about your work?
- Sourcing replacement parts from overseas. Communication can be difficult due to time differences and language barriers, to then discover that what is needed is now obsolete.
- What high school and/or Uni/TAFE did you go to?
- Completed SACE at Eudunda Area School. Most trade and Post trade study supplied by Regency TAFE.
- What did you study in further education?
- I completed an Cert 4 apprenticeship as a Manufacturing Maintenance Technician, which is essentially a combination of 'Electrical Fitter' and 'Fitter & Turner' trades. After that I did further studies in Industrial automation and software, including CAD, before turning my focus to process instrumentation. I am nearing completion of an apprenticeship as an Instrument Technician.
- What is the best career advice you can give to someone is interested in going down a similar path?
- Learn what will be expected of you as an apprentice, and show passion for the pursuit of your chosen trade. As a school student this should be evident in subject selections and work experience reports. Employers will be looking for people with a dedicated attitude and a demonstrated learning ability, particularly in maths, science, and technology.
