Who are you and what is your role, what is the project that you are working on? 

Anita Lutz is my name, I’m a Rolling Stock Training Officer based at Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility, and I run training and assessment at all 6 depots across Melbourne. 

Recently I’ve delivered training to the supervisors/production coordinators on the computer program for the new On Board Diagnostics on X’Trapolis and Siemens trains. I’ve also just completed training for the new DTI – comms on the comeng disk brake fleet. 

Currently I running training on workshop cranes and refresher training on 1500V Overhead switching in the depot. I also review, write or re-write instructions, powerpoint presentations and assessments. 

I often deliver safety training for new staff and contractors. 

What does a typical day working at MTM look like for you? 

A snapshot of an ordinary day would be something like – I arrive at work and set up for the day. I gather up any training materials, equipment, tools, PPE etc. If needed, I then negotiate with the supervisors as to getting access to the staff I’ve planned to train and assess. Then I train/assess staff or contractors. After that comes the admin, signing paperwork, scanning documents, filling in spreadsheets, filing documents, drawing up certificates and emailing them to companies. 

How did you get started in Transport and what is your favourite thing about working here? 

I had wanted to quit my old job, so when the new MTM facility was being built close to where I live, I thought that it would be a good idea to get a job close to home, servicing trains. I’m an electrician and thought I may as well try out for an electrical train servicing role. I was very happy to be employed by a large company. The other colleagues were very friendly. 

How have you seen young people uniquely contribute to the projects that you have worked on? 

I love their enthusiasm, their ideas and their interest. In my experience, they are keen to listen and learn. They offer a fresh new approach and share their knowledge. They have training and experience in technology and more advanced systems from school/university. Young people are often wiser as to how to set up or fix computers and mobile phones. They work hard and are keen to complete tasks and work well together. 

Looking back what advice do you have for graduates or young transport professionals getting started in their career? 

I would say, try not to be put off by others’ bad attitudes or rudeness. Try to call it out if possible and take on those difficult conversations. That you are not responsible for other people’s rotten language and behaviour. Learn as much as you can. There are some really wonderful genuine people who can teach you some amazing stuff. Find some good mentors for yourself, both formal and informal. Enjoy the ride. 

What do you do outside of work to relax and have fun? 

I’m an operational member of the local SES, which provides a lot of exciting times, skills training, and helping people in their hour of need. I try to stay fit and healthy and participate in many events in the Police and Emergency Games each year. 

I take my nieces to brownie guides and assist the leaders in the weekly sessions and activities and camps that the girls go on. 

I also attend the Metro Trains Toastmasters club to try to reduce my public speaking anxiety and improve my speeches and impromptu speaking and helping others improve theirs too. I’m on the committee for the club fulfilling many leadership roles over the years. It’s a great way to meet other people in the business and to get to know them better as well. 

My parkrun adventures have taken me all over Victoria to participate in the 5km run every Saturday morning. I’ve been a member of a few different running clubs where I’ve made new friends. I mainly go camping but enjoy nice accommodation too. 

Australia is recording an unprecedented investment in transport infrastructure projects ranging from small-scale to megaprojects all over the country. Of that investment, megaprojects are making up a substantial portion of our transport infrastructure funding.  

Aligned with this theme of “Transporting Australia” through our transport infrastructure, on Tuesday 11th October 2022, Young Transport Professionals were excited to partner with AECOM to host a panel debate on the commissioning and delivery models of transport infrastructure in Australia. The key question on everyone’s minds was;  

Are Megaprojects the best solution to improving transport productivity across the nation or should we progressively improve existing infrastructure and increase its capabilities? 

Attendees had the opportunity to join online, or watch the debate unfold in person in the Melbourne and Brisbane AECOM offices. Even before the formal debate had commenced, the discussion and discourse between attendees and panellists had already started over food and drinks. 

We heard from Team Megaprojects and Team Modernisation on three key themes – 

• Cost Benefits – We heard about the cost benefits and risks associated with megaprojects requiring significant assumptions and long-term construction periods whereas modernisation offered a low-cost solution with minimal risk attached and quick ROI.
• Transport Infrastructure Resilience – Our transport planners provided insights into the best way to improve the resilience of our transport network, with team megaprojects arguing that new corridors create increased capacity and connections around our transport network, but team modernisation introducing “regulatory modernisation” through road vehicle peak hour charging, more efficient use of data for commuting patterns and the use of ITS.
• Environmental, Social and Governance – Both sides made a compelling case for environmental, social and governance considerations focusing on our transition to net zero carbon emissions. Using new infrastructure to solidify net zero targets, or re-purposing our existing infrastructure whilst improving the operational benefits.

At the end of the debate, we opened the floor to questions with some very interesting and relevant questions asked to the panellists. If your query was not answered, please stay tuned for please keep your eyes out for the upcoming October Newsletter where we will dive into the unanswered questions. 

This event was facilitated by the Events Coordinator Caitlin Skinner with the audience hearing from the panellists – Samuel Lombard from ConnellGriffin, Dean Hislop from SMEC, Alison Dilger from Aurecon and James Warfe, Grant Viljoen and Ainsley Nigro from AECOM. 

Young Transport Professionals would like to thank our Industry Partners, Subject Matter Experts, Venues and participants for making this an informative and fun event.

On Monday 5th September, Evelyn and Caitlin from the Young Transport Professionals committee were invited to speak at a Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship Foundation networking event.

The Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship Foundation provides support for young women in achieving undergraduate qualifications as there are still many young women in our community today who simply cannot afford to attend university.

The focus of this event was centred around transport, and the broad and exciting opportunities to join the transport industry.  Caitlin and Evelyn provided insights into their experiences working in the transport industry and highlighted the interesting projects they have worked on/are working on.  Another guest speaker, Aditi Sachdeva (Department of Transport) also spoke about her experiences and delivered some important advice on the importance of being yourself “You are your own superpower… own it”.

The second part of the evening consisted of pizza and networking, it was inspiring to hear different stories and successes of the women in the room.

Thank you to Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship Foundation for the opportunity to attend this event, and to all the inspiring women who made it a great night!

Today is #RUOKday2022, a reminder for everyone to check in with those around you and see how they are going and if they need support. The theme of this R U OK day is ‘no qualifications needed’, emphasising the importance that everyone can start a conversation.

By having meaningful conversations about life’s ups and downs, we can help someone feel supported. To acknowledge and promote #RUOKday2022, this morning Young Transport Professionals hosted a coffee catch-up in the Melbourne CBD and virtually.

The early 7:30 am start was worth it, with conversations ranging from personal well-being to transport projects (who would have guessed). Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and virtually.

Take the time to Ask R U OK, no qualifications are needed. Because a conversation could change a life. More resources are available at https://www.ruok.org.au/.

Young Transport Professionals (YTP) are pleased to announce AECOM as an Industry Partner!   

AECOM is a multinational infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services spanning cities, transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. Working with clients in more than 150 countries, AECOM is comprised of planners, designers, engineers, consultants and program and construction managers, all driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world.

Since YTP’s formation in 2014, the support of our industry partners has been fundamental to our growth, and we now have 1600+ members from over 150 companies. Partnerships such as these have enabled us to run forums, networking events and site visits that are free and provide opportunities for young professionals to network within the transport industry.

This is an extremely exciting time for YTP, and with AECOM, DoT, Metro Trains Melbourne and the Aurecon Jacobs and Mott McDonald Joint Venture, we look forward to working together to bring more events and develop connections with our members.

Read more about AECOM at: About AECOM

Learn about becoming an industry parter at: YTP Partners and Supporters