Robert McAdam is a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) graduate in UGL’s Projects Division and a member of our 2023 CIMIC Group graduate program cohort.
He studied Bachelor of Science majoring in HSE at Curtin University in Western Australia graduating in 2022.
Tell me about your typical day
“My first rotation was in the Services Division for Resources and Energy West in Perth. In my role I assisted with toolbox developments for the HSE teams across the seven sites we were servicing. These included large clients in the Western Australia region. I also got to visit most of those locations which was a great experience. I completed gap analysis for procedures and created monthly statistic reports. The reports focused on incident data (amount, severity, and mechanism of the incidents), hazard data and safety action data. I supplied these to my Managers to send out to the Project Managers of the sites to keep them updated with the safety data. I helped create content for the Resource Energy West hub which is an internal site for all the HSE professionals in that business where they can find helpful information, such as toolbox talks and recent safety updates.
During my time I also worked in the Corporate Division under the Systems and Assurance manager helping assist with the OFSC Audit (Office of Federal Safety Commission). This involved updating procedures, travelling interstate to site, and making sure everything was ready for the audit. This was a unique and great experience which I learnt a lot from.
I am currently in the Projects Division in the Rail and Technology Systems business in WA, where I am involved in the Radio System Replacement for Perth transport and have also spent time on the Bellevue Substation construction project.
My roles include developing weekly toolbox meetings for the teams on site, performing SWMS reviews, managing mobilisation for one of our projects, and helping my manager with developing safety procedures and safety management plans. I have also been getting a lot of time in the field, which is great as I get to have some independent learning and start doing safety conversations and complete workplace inspections.”
What made you choose the CIMIC Group graduate program?
“I chose the program, because coming straight out of university, I wasn’t sure what field or direction I wanted to go in. What enticed me about the CIMIC Group program at UGL, is that it allowed me the opportunity to rotate throughout the company and gain different experiences across a variety of sites and projects. This has helped help me find out what I am more passionate about.”
What has been a favourite project that you have been part of?
“The current project I am on, I have seen its construction from the very start all the way to its near completion which has been a great process to experience.”
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining the program?
“Get involved in as much as you can, ask lots of questions. What I like about the program is that you can almost throw yourself in the deep end without the fear of failing as you will always have a very supportive team around you to help guide you and take learnings from.”