George Eugene Leslie, a plant controller at Rio Tinto in Perth, Australia is a professional with over a decade of experience working in and around processing plants. In this article, he chats about how his education from the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) has not only enhanced his technical skills but also opened new career opportunities within the field of process control systems
From Plant Operations to Process Control
George Eugene Leslie’s professional journey is rooted in his experience in plant operations. With more than 10 years spent working in and around processing plants, he has gained invaluable insights into the complexities of plant optimization.
However, as his career progressed, he realized that to move forward and take on greater responsibilities, he needed to strengthen his technical expertise. This led him to pursue the 52886WA – Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering at EIT.
“I was already working in plant operations and had an understanding of the systems, but I wanted to expand my technical skill set to take on more complex roles,” George explained. “The automation field is evolving quickly, and I saw this program as a way to stay ahead of the curve.”
He said his decision to study industrial automation wasn’t just about learning new technologies—it was a strategic move to enhance his career prospects and gain the skills necessary to diagnose and solve issues in plant control systems more effectively.
His role as a Plant Controller at Rio Tinto requires him to monitor and optimize plant performance while troubleshooting operational challenges. “The course gave me the technical knowledge and problem-solving tools I needed to approach control system issues in a more structured and informed way.”
Choosing EIT was a natural decision for George. He needed flexibility to continue working full-time while studying, and the online format of the 52886WA – Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering offered just that.
“The online format allowed me to study at my own pace, which was essential since I was balancing work, study, and family commitments,” he added. “It also gave me the ability to apply what I was learning in real-time to my work at Rio Tinto.”
Through EIT’s comprehensive and industry-relevant curriculum, George gained a deeper understanding of process control systems, automation, and the role these technologies play in optimizing plant performance. “The course covered key topics like PLC programming, advanced process control, and system diagnostics—skills I now use daily in my role,” he noted.
Applying Knowledge in the Field
The practical nature of the 52886WA – Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering allowed George to immediately apply what he was learning to his work at Rio Tinto. As a plant controller, George is responsible for overseeing plant operations, identifying inefficiencies, and troubleshooting problems to ensure smooth processing. The skills he acquired at EIT have empowered him to take on these tasks with greater confidence and precision.
“Before my studies, I had an understanding of the plant operations but lacked a solid grounding in automation systems,” George explained. “The skills I gained from the course gave me the confidence to address complex control system issues and propose actionable solutions to improve plant efficiency.”
A key area where George’s studies have had a significant impact is in the area of PLC programming. “Learning PLC programming was one of the most valuable aspects of my studies,” George said. “It’s one thing to understand the theory, but it’s another to apply it to real-world systems. Now, I can troubleshoot and optimize control systems in ways I couldn’t before.”
Another aspect of his studies that has had an immediate effect on his work is his understanding of advanced process control (APC) systems. “The knowledge I gained in APC has allowed me to suggest process adjustments that increase plant throughput and minimize downtime,” George noted. “This directly translates into better plant performance, which is a key focus for us at Rio Tinto.”
In addition to the technical knowledge, George found the collaborative nature of EIT’s online program to be extremely valuable.
“The course allowed me to connect with classmates from various industries and backgrounds, which helped broaden my understanding of industrial automation (IA). Their diverse experiences and insights helped me see how automation principles apply across different sectors and industries.”
Innovations in IA and the Future of Mining
The field of industrial automation is evolving at a rapid pace, and George is excited about the future. He sees automation technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, playing a transformative role in the mining industry. However, he also recognizes the challenges these innovations present, particularly in terms of cybersecurity.
“As more mining operations move toward autonomous equipment and processes, cybersecurity becomes a critical concern. We need to ensure that our systems are secure from potential cyber threats, especially as equipment becomes more connected and automated.”
Despite these challenges, George believes the future of mining lies in the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance operational efficiency. “AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor and maintain equipment. Predictive maintenance, for example, can reduce downtime by identifying potential issues before they cause failure. It’s a game-changer for the industry.”
Looking ahead, George aims to take on more advanced roles in process control systems, with a particular focus on automation and optimization. “In the long term, I hope to transition into a role as a Process Control Engineer, where I can directly influence the design and implementation of automation systems to enhance plant operations,” he shared.
His ambition is not only to improve the operational efficiency of Rio Tinto’s processing plants but also to contribute to the broader adoption of automation technologies in the mining sector. “By implementing more advanced control systems, we can improve safety, reduce costs, and increase overall efficiency. I want to be part of that change.”
In addition to his career aspirations, George is committed to lifelong learning and keeping up with the rapid advancements in the automation field.
“Technology is changing fast, and it’s important to stay on top of new developments. I plan to continue expanding my knowledge through further education and professional development, so I can keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in process control and automation.”
To further support his ambitions, George is also planning to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Industrial Automation Engineering) from EIT. This advanced qualification will complement his existing expertise and deepen his understanding of automation systems, equipping him with the skills needed to drive innovation in the industry.
