Supporting the next generation of geological leaders

GHD geologists have been building their field experience at a three-day intensive training camp in Mittagong, in the NSW Southern Highlands.

The inaugural camp is helping to bridge the gap between tertiary education and the practical knowledge required by early to mid-career geo-professionals in the civil infrastructure industry.

Andrew Barclay, Senior Technical Director – Engineering Geology, highlighted the industry’s recognition of the challenges faced by young geo-professionals. “We wanted to create an opportunity for our early professionals to receive face-to-face training in essential field skills through a combination of site and office-based activities,” he explained.

Thirteen geologists from our Australia, Philippines, and New Zealand offices recently participated in the camp, which took place in one of the state’s geological hotspots. They worked alongside GHD technical leaders to enhance their skills in data collection, processing, design analysis, and reporting.

Christopher Bennett, Geology Service Line Leader – APAC, said that opportunities like these provide a supportive environment for trainees to develop their practical skills.

“We designed a comprehensive program that included background theory and desktop studies before the camp. During the camp, participants engaged in field geological descriptions, site plans and sections, landslide site reconnaissance, and mapping exercises. They also visited Sixty Foot Falls for rock cutting exercises and Mount Gibraltar for quarry face mapping and rockfall hazard assessments.”

The trainees consolidated their learning through classroom exercises and will continue to build on their understanding in follow-up sessions.

Christopher added that these initiatives are strengthening GHD’s Geology Service Line and reinforcing our position as an industry leader in engineering geology.

“This program is helping to build capacity and collaboration across the Service Line and is one of the innovative ways GHD is supporting our technical people through learning and development opportunities,” he said.

Here's what some of the participants had to say:

“One of the greatest lessons you can gain is learning directly from seasoned technical professionals and in the field. The training was focused, it was in-depth, it was well-organised, and well-prepared. The trainers were incredible!” Kenny Lyne Tabayocyoc, Cebu, Philippines

“An invaluable opportunity to have access to so many technical specialists dedicating their time to teaching.” Catherine Peryer, Melbourne

“This opportunity made me aware of the multiple branches of geology and geotechnical work that exist. I learnt so much in that respect, but also found that there is so much I want to be a part of as well.” Odile Pusenjak, Sydney

“An excellent three days connecting people from operating centers across APAC. University style field camp with real industry application, mentored by technical directors who turn out to be big kids with big knowledge.” Mitchell Gerdes, Sydney

“We are incredibly lucky to have highly experienced, industry leading professionals who are A) extremely generous with their time, and B) enthusiastic about growing and developing the next generation of geology professionals! Attending this course should be a career progression prerequisite!” Luke Agnew, Auckland, New Zealand

Acerca de GHD

GHD es una empresa líder en servicios profesionales que opera en los mercados mundiales de agua, energía y recursos, medio ambiente, infraestructura y edificaciones, y transporte. Comprometidos con la visión de garantizar que el agua, la energía y las comunidades sean sostenibles para las futuras generaciones, GHD ofrece soluciones en consultoría, servicios digitales, ingeniería, arquitectura, medio ambiente y construcción a clientes del sector público y privado. Fundada en 1928 y propiedad de sus trabajadores, GHD cuenta con una red de más de 12.000 profesionales en más de 160 oficinas en cinco continentes.