Regional Cadet Profile

This month we sat down with Marnie Atkins, who is a regional cadet, to get an idea on what working in Northern NSW is like.


What degree are you studying?

I am studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with an environmental engineering major, at Southern Cross University.


When will you complete your degree?

I'm really excited to be graduating in October!


Where are you placed right now?

I am currently working in Regional Maintenance in Regional Outer Metropolitan (ROM) and the office is located in Ballina. We handle road maintenance and construction, mainly on the Pacific Highway but also on other main roads around the area.


What has been the highlight of your cadetship so far?

I’d say the job I’m currently working on. Previously, I was mainly based in the office and then going out on site occasionally for minor jobs which gave me a good experience. However, now I am based on site at Clunes for a major road construction project, getting involved in earthworks, pavement rehabilitation and quality procedures. This means I am getting hands on experience every day and I’m learning a lot.


What are some of the benefits of being a regional cadet?

My office is quite small which means everyone gets to know each other very well,. I am exposed to a wide variety of work as the highway requires constant maintenance. The lifestyle of living in the northern rivers is very relaxing and stress free and it’s a very close knit community. Also, even though my commute is a 45 min drive, it’s stress free as there isn’t much traffic.


What are some of the challenges of being a regional cadet?

The main challenge is that you miss out on events like cadet catch ups and other networking opportunities and that can make you feel a bit behind at times.


What is an interesting fact about you?

Well I am 42, so an older cadet than usual. People thought I was crazy to start an engineering degree. However, now I have this great career opportunity and I’m so happy, I’m really looking forward to my future. It’s never too late to try something new or change your career.


Given, the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

I would want a dinner guest to be interesting, lively and entertaining, so I would choose the comedian Tina Fey, she's hilarious.


If you could describe yourself in a mode of transport - what would you pick? Why?

I would pick a car on a road trip as there’s always a destination but for me it’s about the journey, the connections you make along the way and the challenges you overcome.

This month we sat down with Marnie Atkins, who is a regional cadet, to get an idea on what working in Northern NSW is like.


What degree are you studying?

I am studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with an environmental engineering major, at Southern Cross University.


When will you complete your degree?

I'm really excited to be graduating in October!


Where are you placed right now?

I am currently working in Regional Maintenance in Regional Outer Metropolitan (ROM) and the office is located in Ballina. We handle road maintenance and construction, mainly on the Pacific Highway but also on other main roads around the area.


What has been the highlight of your cadetship so far?

I’d say the job I’m currently working on. Previously, I was mainly based in the office and then going out on site occasionally for minor jobs which gave me a good experience. However, now I am based on site at Clunes for a major road construction project, getting involved in earthworks, pavement rehabilitation and quality procedures. This means I am getting hands on experience every day and I’m learning a lot.


What are some of the benefits of being a regional cadet?

My office is quite small which means everyone gets to know each other very well,. I am exposed to a wide variety of work as the highway requires constant maintenance. The lifestyle of living in the northern rivers is very relaxing and stress free and it’s a very close knit community. Also, even though my commute is a 45 min drive, it’s stress free as there isn’t much traffic.


What are some of the challenges of being a regional cadet?

The main challenge is that you miss out on events like cadet catch ups and other networking opportunities and that can make you feel a bit behind at times.


What is an interesting fact about you?

Well I am 42, so an older cadet than usual. People thought I was crazy to start an engineering degree. However, now I have this great career opportunity and I’m so happy, I’m really looking forward to my future. It’s never too late to try something new or change your career.


Given, the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

I would want a dinner guest to be interesting, lively and entertaining, so I would choose the comedian Tina Fey, she's hilarious.


If you could describe yourself in a mode of transport - what would you pick? Why?

I would pick a car on a road trip as there’s always a destination but for me it’s about the journey, the connections you make along the way and the challenges you overcome.

Page published: 12 Feb 2020, 01:52 PM