Life's a beach for Summer

At 19, Summer Price has a qualification under her belt and has stepped into a career in the energy sector as a Trainee Operator at Beach Energy.

She went straight from Year 13 at Spotswood College to WITT Te Pūkenga where she gained a Certificate in Process Operations (Level 3). The qualification includes industry placements and it was her second placement at Beach Energy that led to her job.

“The course definitely set me up with what to expect - it gave me that good level of base knowledge to get my foot in the door and a good understanding of what I was getting myself into,” says Summer.

As a trainee operator at the Kupe Production Station, she is shadowing an operator to learn the ropes. This includes working a six-day on, six-day off roster.

She says she can see a career path and feels confident about her future.

“Beach is a big Australian-based company, so I can see how I can build on my experience elsewhere if I want to in the future.”

Many of her new workmates have also completed the Certificate in Process Operations, so they understand what and how she’s been learning. She says they’re all supportive and keen to help Summer put her new skills into practice.

Both younger than her workmates and in the minority as a female in the industry, Summer has no hesitation in recommending the programme and the industry to others.

“It’s all about mindset and having a good work ethic – you just need to apply yourself.”

Beach Energy’s New Zealand Country Manager Mat Quinn says: “We strive to create an inclusive environment where all people are encouraged to offer their unique perspectives.  At Beach we believe that a diverse team exposes us to new points of view, greater understanding, and better solutions towards our shared success.”

The next intake of the Certificate in Process Operations (Level 3) starts on 18 March. It is delivered in partnership with Energy Resources Aotearoa and the energy sector and offers work placement-based training in a range of energy-related industries.

“The programme offers students great foundational skills about the operation and performance of fundamental plant and equipment used in our industry,” says Mat.