Kims Gawareng, a resident of Papua New Guinea, shares his journey from a young electrical trade apprentice to a technical specialist at Ok Tedi Mining Limited, highlighting how his education at the Engineering Institute of Technology has shaped his career.
From High School Fascination to Career in Industrial Automation
EIT Student’s Journey in Industrial Automation Takes Shape in His Career: Growing up in Papua New Guinea, Kims always had a curious mind and a strong affinity for science.
He explained, “What first inspired me to work in the electrical field was back in high school during a science class when the teacher was explaining the different branches of science and mentioned that working with electricity is like ‘giving life to a dead man.’
This vivid analogy fascinated Kims and sparked his imagination. It wasn’t just the idea of working with electrical currents, but the concept of breathing life into machines that captured his attention.
His interest only deepened when he started his apprenticeship at Ok Tedi Mining Limited.
In 2007, after completing his college certificate in electrical trade, he was selected for a four-year apprenticeship program with the company. His journey in the mining sector took him from electrical work to instrumentation and then to process control systems.
Along the way, Kims continued to enhance his skills through short courses, eventually earning dual-trade certificates in electrical and instrumentation and control systems. Today, he boasts more than 12 years of experience in the mining industry, contributing to significant projects and solving complex problems.
Finding the Right Fit at EIT
After gaining practical experience in the field, Kims knew that further education was vital for advancing his career in industrial automation.
However, his options were limited in Papua New Guinea, as there were no institutions offering specialized courses in instrumentation and control systems. The only feasible route was to pursue his studies online.
While exploring options, Kims sought advice from his superiors, one of whom gave a clear recommendation: the Engineering Institute of Technology was the best choice for his professional development.
“One of them, who is the advanced process control principal engineer, advised me that EIT would be the best choice, and are second to none.”
EIT’s online learning environment proved to be an ideal fit for Kims. It not only provided him with essential theoretical knowledge but also allowed him to balance his demanding work schedule.
With a combination of practical experience and newfound theoretical insights, he felt more confident and capable in his role.
Overcoming Challenges and Contributing to Real-World Solutions
As a technical specialist in a high-impact industry, Kims’ work at Ok Tedi Mining involves designing and improving control systems that ensure the smooth operation of mining processes. One of the most significant projects he worked on involved enhancing a slurry feed tank redundancy circuit.
As part of this project, he was tasked with modifying the PLC logic to integrate new feed tank levels into the existing control systems. The expertise he gained at EIT, particularly in feedback, feedforward, and cascade control systems, played a crucial role in his success.
He explained, “The knowledge gained from EIT greatly helped me modify PLC logic to incorporate new feed tank levels to control the existing feed pump, which is also regulated by the existing tank level.”
This development provided a significant relief for his team, helping them progress smoothly into the commissioning phase of the project. “This is a great relief to the team as it helped us advance well into the commissioning phase,” Kims added.
Balancing work and study, however, has not been without its challenges. He had to make significant adjustments to his daily routine to ensure he could manage the demands of both. With a family to support and a high-pressure job, sleep was often sacrificed in favor of study.
“Yes, balancing work, study, and family is a real challenge for me. I had to reduce my night sleeping hours and increase my working hours during the day,” Kims shared.
Internet connectivity in Papua New Guinea is often unreliable, making remote access to EIT’s labs difficult. Despite these obstacles, he developed a solution: he began waking up early in the morning when internet traffic was lighter, allowing him to complete his practical assignments.
“I had to go to bed early and wake up at midnight to work during the early hours when the network is free to use,” he said.
Throughout his studies, Kims received valuable support from both his peers and instructors at EIT. The interactive nature of the course, with webinars and group projects, provided him with opportunities to collaborate and learn from others.
“In Module 6 – DPEFPE619 – we did a group project where my peers were very helpful. They stepped in to assist in providing information where I had little or no knowledge,” he recalled. He noted that this teamwork and camaraderie not only helped him grow professionally but also highlighted the value of collaboration and support in the workplace.
Looking Ahead: A Future in Industrial Automation
As Kims nears the completion of his 52886WA Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering, he has already set his sights on the future.
He plans to continue his studies with a bachelor’s degree in industrial automation engineering, further strengthening his skills in a constantly evolving field. He recognizes that technology is rapidly changing, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for long-term career success.
“I am planning to continue into the Online Bachelor of Science (Industrial Automation Engineering) program after completing and graduating from the advanced diploma program,” he shared.
For Kims, the journey doesn’t end with his current position. He considers his role at Ok Tedi Mining Limited just the beginning. He aims to apply his growing expertise in industrial automation to larger-scale projects, contributing to optimizing mining operations and enhancing efficiency.
As automation and control systems evolve, he is confident that the knowledge and skills he’s gained at EIT will keep him at the forefront, ready to tackle any challenges that arise.
Reflecting on his journey, Kims offers advice to those considering a career in industrial automation engineering: “EIT is definitely second to none. The courses provided are up to date and very relevant, practically applicable to current job requirements. Choosing to pursue a career path at EIT is the best choice you can make for your career development.”
Kims Gawareng’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the right education. From his early fascination with electricity to his current role as a technical specialist in mining, his journey highlights the importance of pursuing knowledge and continually adapting to an evolving industry.
