Image: Adil Rachidi StudIEAust, Engineers Australia student member and Griffith University intern. Image supplied by Griffith University.
Engineers Australia Queensland member Adil Rachidi StudIEAust never expected his 12 week internship to become a full-time employment opportunity.
The partnership between Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) and Griffith University has resulted in this amazing opportunity for the Moroccan-born student, who dreamed of combining his two passions: sport and engineering.
“This is something close to my heart to combine sport with engineering as it’s just what I love to do,” Adil said. “When you arrive (at GOLDOC) you read the motto ‘share the dream’ and for me I’m really living a dream now – it’s amazing.”
Adil is the first Griffith student intern to be offered employment at GOLDOC and will join the Engineering Services team. More than 250 students will have the opportunity to work as interns across a range of areas at GOLDOC in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
During his initial 12-week internship Adil has assisted in the development and coordination of engineering work for venue overlay design purposes, including mechanical, electrical and hydraulic load assessments. Adil has also been investigating design requirements for GOLDOC functional areas and visiting sites such as the new velodrome in Chandler, Brisbane to view work in progress.
“It really is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to work on the Games and with people who have so much experience that I can learn from,” said Adil.
Adil will start part-time work first while he completes his final subject of a Bachelor of Engineering at Griffith, before continuing in a full-time job at GOLDOC.
Griffith University Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Martin Betts FIEAust said Adil’s employment offer highlights the extraordinary opportunities available to Griffith students.
“As the leading and largest university at the Gold Coast, Griffith is dedicated to creating possibilities for our students and the community,” said Prof Betts. “This is a great example of how Griffith’s industry connections are successful in preparing students for the workforce and an amazing career.”
GOLDOC Head of Workforce, Jessica Platts said the timing was perfect to provide Adil with a graduate opportunity and further his experience working alongside some of the most highly qualified people in the multi-sport Games and event industry.
“Adil showed a great passion and enthusiasm during his internship with GOLDOC and whilst there won’t always be a graduate opportunity for interns, on this occasion it suited both parties,” she said.
“We (GOLDOC) are delighted with the Griffith University internship program thus far and we are enjoying the eagerness and curiosity the students bring to the organisation – it means our team is genuinely sharing their vast knowledge in a very meaningful way which is a legacy from GC2018 we are very proud of,” said Ms Platts.
Adil is one of six Griffith students who have been placed in internships in areas of Digital Media, Venue Overlay Design, Accommodation and Communication and Engagement, since December 2015.