The workshop crew are currently inspecting the quality of a new 27-tonne Francis turbine, which will make its eventual way to Gordon Power Station. When we say that these machines are big, we’re not joking… The drill bits alone are bigger than your average drink bottle.

Xavier is a Fitter Machinist, and workshop planner, responsible for scheduling and organising incoming jobs for the team. Each job requires meticulous planning to ensure that the people and parts are where they need to be at the right time.

"We refurbish Hydro Tasmania assets out here. Everything from turbines to large valves to intake gates. We even make our own bolts out here that are bespoke for the machines,” says Xavier.

“I have a love for fitting and machining. I enjoy the building, making, modifying and creative nature of this work.”

The Cambridge workshop is unique in nature, working with specialised equipment and infrastructure. Across the team are machinists, fitters,  boilermakers/wielders, fabricators, trades assistances and apprentices. “The culture in our team is fantastic and it makes my day. We need to work together well to get projects done on time and safely,” said Xavier.

In February this year, the Cambridge workshop team hosted a Hand Skills course for the incoming 2024 cohort of first-year apprentices. The course is designed to help our new recruits get to know the tools that they will be working with over the coming years.

"We want to make sure that our apprentices going out in the field to power stations feel confident that they have the skills to start their trade career."
 

"This year, our own 2nd and 3rd year apprentices from the Workshop are running the course, which is a great achievement for them," says Xavier. 

In his spare time, you will find Xavier still doing the same type of work on a much smaller scale, as he ‘tinkers around’ on cars and other machines.

If working at our workshop sounds interesting, visit www.hydro.com.au/careers to learn more about opportunities with us! Or, if you’re keen on starting your career as an apprentice, you can find all you need to know at www.hydro.com.au/careers/apprentices.