For Ned Gaffey, engineering wasn’t just a career choice – it was a natural extension of his curious mind and love for problem‑solving.
Born in Darwin and raised in Perth, Ned has long called the city home. Now studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Finance at the University of Western Australia, he balances academic life with a wide range of hobbies, with sport and music topping the list.
“I play cricket, AFL and golf, I love music – piano, guitar – and I’m even trying to learn the saxophone,” Ned said.
In early 2024, he joined Melchor as an Undergraduate Engineer – an experience he describes as both welcoming and transformative.
“What I enjoy most is the friendly and supportive community. It’s a place where asking questions is encouraged, and you’re trusted with real, meaningful work,” he said.
Ned’s role is hands‑on and fast‑paced. He completes on‑site inspections, orders materials, organises daily concrete pour sequences and communicates constantly with clients, supervisors and engineers.
“It’s a mix of teamwork and independence, which keeps every day interesting,” he said.
Ned said that a typical day starts early. Very early.
“I sign on at 5:00am, catch up on emails, then head into our morning meeting at 5:20am and pre‑start at 6:00am,” he said.
“From there, it’s a blend of office tasks, site inspections, and planning for upcoming works, before the afternoon supervisors’ meeting at 1:30pm sets the direction for the next day.”
Some of the biggest lessons Ned has learned so far is the importance of communication.
“No one can do successful, sustainable work alone – collaboration is everything. Being clear, sharing information and listening to others’ perspectives makes all the difference,” he said.
“Good relationships also go a long way in keeping your wellbeing strong in a FIFO environment.”
For Ned, Melchor has been a launchpad – a place where learning happens fast and opportunities are everywhere.
“You’re almost always on site, seeing construction firsthand,” he said.
“The projects are diverse, the work is meaningful, and you learn something new every day.”
His message to other students considering Melchor is simple.
“The team is professional, inviting, and genuinely great to work with,” he said.
“Being surrounded by the right people makes a huge difference. Melchor also exposes you to a wide range of projects and roles, helping you grow your engineering knowledge and build a successful career path.”
For Ned, it’s more than just a placement. It’s the start of a future he’s excited to chase.