Matthew Greenaway, based in Adelaide, Australia, recently completed the 52882WA Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineering in Mining at EIT. Discover how this educational journey has shaped his understanding of the oil and gas industry and prepared him for future challenges in his career.
EIT: Inspiration and Experience
Matthew’s decision to study for the 52882WA Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineering in Mining stemmed from a desire to deepen his knowledge of the oil and gas sector.
Although he is not currently focused on a career specifically in E&I engineering, Matthew was motivated by a variety of factors. He aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of complex control, network, and process systems in the industry.
In his own words, Matthew stated, “I wanted to build the knowledge and confidence to advance my career in E&I.” His journey through the program also served as a means of personal development, enabling him to hone his time management skills and gain valuable life experience.
Reflecting on his time at EIT, Matthew describes his overall experience as fantastic. He appreciated the relevance of the course material, which left a strong impression on him. Two key aspects stood out: the flexibility of the program and the interactive nature between lecturers and students.
Working in the Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) sector, Matthew faced unique scheduling challenges. He mentioned, “The course flexibility was a game changer. It allowed me to continue at my own pace, as sometimes life and work can become too hectic.”
This adaptive approach provided him the opportunity to manage his studies while balancing the demands of work and family life.
Moreover, Matthew valued the clarity of communication with his instructors. They were readily available to address any questions or concerns he had during his coursework.
“Via email, they were able to explain any question I had very clearly and promptly,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of effective teacher-student interaction.
Overcoming Challenges in Balancing Studies, Personal Life, and Career
Maintaining a balance between studies and personal commitments proved to be a significant challenge for Matthew during his diploma program. He acknowledged that limited time on shift necessitated careful planning and discipline.
“Working three weeks or two weeks straight at 12-hour shifts, I had to make sure I could still study a few hours a week after work,” he explained.
Fortunately, Matthew had the support of a loving family. During his time off, he focused intently on his studies, taking advantage of this opportunity to catch up on assignments and review critical webinar recordings.
This approach ensured he remained aligned with his coursework, allowing him to make the most of his study period.
The knowledge he gained throughout the program provided him with greater confidence and a firmer understanding of the controls and systems integral to oil and gas processes—particularly regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants.
Achievements, Memorable Moments, and Future Career Outlook
Among the various milestones during his studies, Matthew takes particular pride in achieving a perfect score in the module “Create PLC Programs using IEC 61131-3.” He found this module quite challenging, so reaching this result felt particularly rewarding.
“I’ve never had 100% on anything in my life!” he remarked, highlighting how this accomplishment marked a pivotal moment during his time at EIT.
The feeling of completion upon receiving his certification and results stands out as one of Matthew’s most memorable moments. The culmination of hard work contributed to a sense of achievement and reinforcement of his commitment to personal and professional growth.
Looking toward the future, Matthew envisions a career that continues to build upon his practical skills while embracing continuous learning. His current role as a project coordinator requires collaboration across disciplines, further enriching his experience in the industry. Based in Adelaide, Australia, Matthew acknowledges the wealth of career opportunities available in the oil and gas sector, particularly with prominent companies like Santos.
Advice for Incoming Students and Final Thoughts
For those considering the Advanced Diploma of E&I Engineering or similar programs, Matthew offers valuable advice: “Learn how to manage your time and start assignments as early as possible.”
His insights reflect the significance of preparedness and discipline in successfully completing the challenges of academic life.
As Matthew Greenaway continues to cultivate his career, his journey serves as an encouraging reminder of the importance of education, adaptation, and resilience in the field of engineering.
