We asked some past graduates why they chose VicRoads and how they found the Graduate Program. Here’s what they had to say.
VicRoads appealed to me for the development opportunities available on the Graduate Program, the good reputation of the organisation, the support for employees and also because of the great experience I had on vacation work at VicRoads. I really liked the idea of being able to try out a few different roles while on the Graduate Program.
I was introduced to country life at Shepparton for my first rotation. I had a great time working on pre-construction planning on the Goulburn Valley Highway Project. It was a fantastic learning experience, from road planning and construction right through to the finer points of jumping barbed wire fences. Returning to Melbourne for my second rotation, I moved into Network Performance at the Metro South East office.
I was involved in traffic planning and operations for the Commonwealth Games as part of my third rotation. My work on the Games was interesting, challenging and varied. My responsibilities included coordinating VicRoads’ role in traffic management for the Queen’s Baton Relay, planning for roughly half the venues and on-road events, and creating a special traffic operations centre for 25 staff.
The VicRoads Graduate Program is a great way to get a good variety of experience in an enjoyable work environment. There are heaps of opportunities to try things you never knew existed and to get out and see Victoria.
Working at VicRoads instantly appealed to me as there was flexibility for employees to work with different business areas, developing both contacts and skills along the way. I grew up in the country and the fact that the organisation encourages employees to work and experience the lifestyle outside Melbourne was also very attractive.
My first rotation was based at Northern region, where I worked in Construction for Program Delivery. This was a great introduction to VicRoads as it allowed me to see lots of Victoria and understand VicRoads policies and procedures. Some of the projects I worked on included investigations of the strip shopping and school speed zones, the implementation of an intersection remodel project and assessment of expressions of interest of the Robinvale/Euston Bridge project.
My second rotation was based in Sunshine, where I worked in the Program Development team. My role was to assess traffic management plans, liaise with internal and external stakeholders and provide comments on Functional Layout plans for roadworks and signalisation of intersections.
My final rotation was in the Public Transport section of the Traffic and Transport Integration Department. The team was very new at the time and lots of exciting projects were taking place. I got involved with the development of Taxi Rank Guidelines, review of policies for hook turns and yellow box line markings and re-writing the section relating to Public Transport in the road to Solo Driving Handbook for Learner Drivers.
I worked in Network Operations after completing the Graduate Program. This position allowed me to further develop my skills in communication and assessment of complex problems. I received a promotion five months later and re-joined the Public Transport team in Traffic and Transport Integration. I worked closely with the department and external contacts to develop a second series of discussion forums, establish a database for the assessment of public transport bids for funding from the regions and assistance with the development of policies for red pavement on roads for public transport.
There are so many opportunities to be had in VicRoads. It is such a progressive organisation. You are truly only limited by your imagination.
I completed a Bachelor of Commerce at La Trobe University in 2001, majoring in Accounting. Since then, VicRoads has supported me in undertaking post graduate studies (CPA Program) which I have now completed.
The range of employment benefits was important in making my decision to work for VicRoads. The flexible working arrangements that are in place are useful to help maintain a work/life balance, whilst the commitment to continually train and develop staff benefits not only me, but also the organisation.
My first rotation was in Regional Services Support where I contributed to the division’s annual business area planning process and my third rotation was at the Metro South East office as a Project Monitoring Officer. My role was to provide financial and administrative support to the Project Development section of the region.
I am currently Business Manager for the M1 Project. My responsibility is to manage the business team in setting up all systems and processes required for the project.
VicRoads is a great place to work as it offers a wide variety of work within the one organisation. The Graduate Program gives you the opportunity to develop a mentoring relationship with a senior person within the organisation which can help you to achieve your chosen career path. There are also plenty of opportunities to further your career. The social aspect is also fantastic as you commence work with many other graduates that are in a similar position to yourself.
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