Successfully going from tools to technical with Bevan Palmer

Recently we highlighted how you can become a HSE Advisor in just 12 months through the Engineering Construction (EC) HSE Trainee Program. Bevan Palmer is a great advocate for making the transition from the tools having done so years ago, so we had a chat with him about his journey to becoming a health, safety and environment (HSE) professional.

Having started with Monadelphous in the 1990’s, a Fitter and Turner by trade, Bevan had completed various shutdown and construction projects around Western Australia before becoming a Health and Safety Representative in the early 2000’s.

“It was during that time that the opportunity to transition over to a HSE traineeship came about and I thought I was already representing the workforce in a HSE role, and had recently completed my Cert IV in HSE, so why not do it full time?” said Bevan.

Bevan was grateful to learn from experienced personnel on site and had a fantastic support network while he studied.

“The program was hands on, and I was given the opportunity to complete tasks in real time with the supervision of the advisors and managers around me,” said Bevan.

“I was really lucky with my transition into HSE, I had good role models who were patient and willing to help me learn and my support network certainly made it easier too.”

Bevan worked his way up the HSE ladder and is now the Lead HSE on Western Turner Syncline 2.

“Every day is different, and you can plan your day as best you can however there will always be things that pop up or change so you need to be flexible.”

“I would recommend anyone with an interest in safety to give the program a go, it can be challenging but it’s very rewarding helping people and I believe that’s what safety is, it’s helping people,” said Bevan.

If you’re interested in applying, speak to your Supervisor or Project Manager. Where it’s agreed the project can support a HSE Trainee and the applicant meets the prerequisites, the Project Manager can nominate them for selection into the HSE Trainee Program.

If you have any further questions about the program, please talk to your Project HSE, Business Unit HSE, EC Divisional HSE or email echsetraineerecruit@monadel.com.au

Bevan (far left) pictured with Monadelphous colleagues after raising money on the Kawana STP to give presents to the Brisbane Children’s hospital for Christmas a few years ago.