Meet Chantal Farrelly | Inspiring Women in Engineering

1. Tell us what you do at Transport

I am currently working as a Project Engineer in the Electrical Testing and Commissioning team in Major Works in Sydney Trains. This involves preparing, planning and delivering the testing and commissioning for electrical infrastructure projects within Major Works. This involves carrying out the testing requirements on electrical equipment and preparing commissioning documentation.

2. What's your proudest moment?

I have been in the engineering industry for about 7 years and my proudest moment would have to be when I was part of the electrical commissioning team for delivering the power management system for a new Iron Ore Mine project in Port Hedland, WA. I came into the team during the design phase of the project and I was able to see it through to the final stage of Site Acceptance testing. This power management system was used to allow the mine to fully automate its electrical process control system without any human interaction.

3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in Engineering?

I would like to encourage any woman who feels they might be slightly interested in having a career in engineering to put yourself out there and learn more about where a career in engineering might take you. I remember when I first enrolled into my university degree someone asked me what I was studying and I told them it was engineering. Their first response was “Oh, so you’re going to fix cars or motors?”.

I highly recommend attending university open days at any time during your high school years or any workshops related to engineering as it can really change your perspective to what an ‘engineer’ does. There so many workshops and seminars dedicated to promoting women in engineering which I was a part of during my university days. I could really see that many young women and girls didn’t realise the different jobs, projects and career paths that engineering can take you.

4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

I believe we need to dedicate more outreach programs for young women to let them explore and understand the career paths engineering can take you. These programs could involve site visits or even workshops hosted by some engineers in Tfnsw.

5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

I used to play soccer for about 15 years and even made it into the women’s premier league team. I also referee men’s club soccer teams on weekends.