TRAINEE PROFILE - ERIN REDGWELL

It’s the small things that add up for a big business to run effectively, CS Energy’s Business Administration Trainee Erin Redgwell has found.

Based at Kogan Creek Power Station, Erin has learned she plays a vital role in ensuring the broader company continues to operate effectively.

“I’ve worked in smaller businesses before, and when there are only a few employees your work can seem to have a bigger, more obvious impact,” said Erin.

“But I’ve learned that everyone’s work has just as big an impact at a larger company like CS Energy as well. For example, as a trainee - and I’ve only been here a year - I have people asking me to assist them use systems and help them follow processes,” she said.

“There are many procedures we need to follow, so I help to make sure we’re on top of our compliance.

“It might seem you’re not doing much in the moment, but just by being there in a support role, you’re helping everyone else do their jobs.

“If those seemingly small tasks aren’t done, it can impact the entire business. And you can see that everyone’s work is as important as each other’s.”

Variety of experience
Erin is now in the second of a two-year traineeship as Kogan Creek Power Station’s Trainee Administration Officer, a role she applied for as she wanted more experience and exposure to the career opportunities an administration position can offer her.

“I wanted to expand my skills and earn more qualifications, so I’m doing my Certificate IV in Business while working at Kogan Creek Power Station.

“My first year was spent doing more general admin tasks, while learning about the site and how everyone works together. I gained exposure to many of the departments on site, including Maintenance, Environment, and the Laboratory Team by providing administration assistance.

“I’ve also been down to the mine for a couple of blasts. You learn so much when things are happening around the plant, even when you’re not directly involved in it.”

Erin said that the variety the role offers is what she enjoys most at Kogan Creek Power Station.

“One day I could be helping out in the Control Room, another day I could be running around organising events, or I could be on the phone to vendors organising contracts ensuring critical works can continue. You’re not always sitting in front of a computer all day – there’s tonnes of variety, which is why I love it.”



This year, Erin is being rotated through the different departments for a few months at a time.

“This has given me a better understanding of the day-to-day operations of the plant,” she said. “I’m currently working with Procurement, so I’m doing some of the vendor contracts and getting different agreements out for signatures,” she said.

Foundational skills to take you far
While her experience continues to grow, Erin admits she isn’t quite sure what she wants to do in terms of a long-term career - but knows that the skills she’s developing at Kogan Creek Power Station can take her far.

“I’ve taken a real interest in my current rotation,” she said. “My skills in administration are supported with some further study, and a career in this field is a real possibility.

“My traineeship finishes in a year, and I already know I’m much better off than I was before. Administration opens up opportunities everywhere - it's a really solid foundation of skills, and from there, you can go anywhere.”