Two Charles Darwin University (CDU) engineering students are working to lay the future foundations of their careers and the university campus.
Master of Engineering students Kevin Gondaliya and Allen Glo are helping local construction companies build a new Education and Community Precinct slated to house the next generation of the tertiary institution’s students.
Mr Glo is in his final year of study and said his recent internship with Darwin-based construction company Halikos Group has taken his knowledge of civil and structural engineering “to the next level”.
“My education in civil and structural engineering from CDU is coming to life,” he said.
“This has been an invaluable hands-on experience. What I have learnt about structural integrity and materials science is being applied to a real-world project, right here in Darwin.”
Mr Glo said he initially thought of going into engineering design, but his involvement in the project has broadened his interests in project management and construction.
“One of my goals in life is to be able to point at a building and say that I played a part in its construction – the fact that my first project is CDU’s new campus is already a great achievement.”
Designed by architect group MODE to reflect Darwin’s unique natural environment, this new precinct promises to be a “longstanding heritage landmark” of the city.
The opportunity to spend three months interning with infrastructure consultancy group Capital Insight has been a positive way to spend some of his second year of study for Mr Gondaliya.
“I’ve never worked in construction before, so I’ve learnt something new every day – whether it’s how to do a site observation or progress report, manage competing priorities, or work with a team,” Mr Gondaliya said.
“The support of my mentors has allowed me to sharpen my skills in mechanical engineering and gain a better understanding of project planning, including safety and quality assurance. I’m thankful to CDU and Capital Insight for giving me this golden opportunity.”
The precinct is a key part of the Darwin City Deal – a $200 million joint venture by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to address the city’s unique challenges over the next ten years.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said the construction project will revitalise Darwin’s education potential in northern Australia and beyond.
“Giving students like Kevin and Allen the opportunity to be involved in such a major project for the Northern Territory is setting them up for success even before they graduate,” he told The Bursar.
“This campus is our commitment to ensuring academics, students and the Darwin community reap the benefits of having a modern, high-quality tertiary education facility right on their doorstep.
“With construction rapidly progressing before the start of the wet season, we are already looking forward to opening the doors for semester two next year.”
