Geoffrey Collins

Geoffrey Collins from Australia reflects on how the UET60222 Advanced Diploma of ESI – Power Systems helped him enhance his skills in protection testing, making him a well-rounded professional in the electrical supply industry.

Finding Passion in Power Systems

Geoffrey Collins’ career in power systems began in 2015 when he moved from underground mining to working for a power generation company. At first, he was unfamiliar with the field but quickly grew fascinated by the world of electrical supply.

“I was heavily involved in organizing substation outages and protection maintenance,” Geoffrey recalled.

He said he became fascinated by the protection testing contractors were performing and the equipment they were using.

“It was something I had always wanted to do, so once I got into the field, I tried to learn as much as I could.”

This exposure to the intricacies of electrical systems ignited his passion for the industry. Despite having limited knowledge about power systems, Geoffrey knew this was the direction he wanted his career to take.

This is when he decided to pursue the UET60222 Advanced Diploma of ESI – Power Systems through EIT, a decision that he says has helped him formalize and build on his existing experience in the industry.

Choosing the Testing Stream

The structure of the UET60222 Advanced Diploma of ESI – Power Systems offered Geoffrey the opportunity to specialize in various areas within the power systems field.

Though he was aware that the operations stream might be more practical for his role at the time, he felt drawn to the testing side of things.

He explained that he chose the testing stream because it genuinely interested him.

“It probably would have made more sense at the time to choose the operations stream, but I thought that if I could understand how protection systems work and how to test them, I would eventually be able to figure out operations as well. Plus, I like to challenge myself.”

He was driven by a desire to deepen his knowledge and push his own limits. Protection testing, which involves checking the safety of electrical systems and ensuring they function correctly during faults, was the area that captivated him the most. Geoffrey believed that mastering this area would provide a strong foundation to tackle other aspects of power systems in the future.

Gaining Hands-On Experience

While studying for the advanced diploma, he knew the importance of gaining hands-on experience. He worked for a government-owned utility during the course, a decision that proved crucial to his education. This role allowed him to apply theoretical knowledge gained through the course to real-world situations, making the learning process much more tangible.

He said he started working at the utility about halfway through the course to gain hands-on protection testing experience.

“The experience I gained at the utility has been essential for completing the course components. It’s one thing to learn the theory, but applying it in the field was critical,” Geoffrey shared.

His role provided him with the perfect environment to enhance his technical skills. This experience helped him transition from being a switching operator to a protection technician—a significant leap forward in his career.

He noted that the practical experience aligned perfectly with his course material, helping him understand how electrical protection systems operate in real-life settings.

Geoffrey also credited his workplace for providing the necessary support to balance his work and study commitments.

“My supervisor and team leader were very supportive. Several other technicians in our section were also completing similar courses through EIT, which made it easier to manage the workload. I was able to complete some of my coursework during breaks at work, which helped a lot.”

Future Opportunities and Career Aspirations

As Geoffrey neared the completion of his advanced diploma, he reflected on the importance of formalizing his experience in the electrical supply industry.

Before the advanced diploma, while he had worked hands-on in the industry for years, his qualifications were limited to an electrical license and a switching ticket. The advanced diploma added depth to his resume and provided him with an official qualification that solidified his technical abilities.

“Working in the generation industry, I had gained valuable experience, but all I had to my name before the advanced diploma was an electrical license and a switching ticket. Completing this course formalized everything I had learned previously and gave me something ‘official’ to show for it.”

Looking ahead, he says he is excited about the future of power systems and how they’re evolving.

“With the shift away from fossil fuels, the push for de-carbonization, and the electrification of everything, power systems engineers will be critical in designing, building, and maintaining all the new infrastructure. I think it’s a profession that will see increasing demand as the clean energy transition progresses.”

For those interested in entering the electrical supply industry, Geoffrey offered some solid advice: “If it’s something you’re thinking about doing, then give it a go. While it certainly wasn’t easy, it was very rewarding. The electricity network isn’t going anywhere soon, so there are always jobs in the field.”

As for his own future, Geoffrey is content in his current role but plans to continue building on the knowledge he’s gained through his studies and work experience.

“I’ve worked across a broad range of industries in my career as an electrician, and the power industry is certainly one of the better industries to be in. My focus is now to continue practicing what I’ve learned and to keep building my experience.”

Geoffrey’s story serves as a testament to the value of combining formal education with hands-on experience in the electrical supply industry. The UET60222 Advanced Diploma of ESI – Power Systems not only helped him formalize his existing knowledge but also provided the foundation to build a future-proof career in an industry that’s constantly evolving with technological advancements.