When William Tran graduates with a Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering degree, it will come with a solid foundation of real world experience. William, who commutes to the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre from Bossley Park near Fairfield, will have spent a total of a year and a half of the five-and-a-half year University of Technology, Sydney, degree gaining experience with outside organisations.
This will include a full year with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) as part of a Year in Industry Program, attached to the group operating ANSTOs Water Tunnel.
ANSTO operates a specially designed Water Tunnel for testing how objects interact with moving liquid, using lasers to measure the speed of the liquid. The Tunnel consists of a closed loop of pipes with a capacity of 3,000 litres of water, which is circulated around the loop at flow rates of up to 230 litres per second.
The facility is used for a range of applications by researchers, but plays a key role in testing components of ANSTOs research reactor that are used to make products for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases. William says he expects the program will further develop his professional career and provide him with the experience and skills to become a world class engineer.
In his short time at ANSTO he says his first impressions have been positive. "My impressions are that ANSTO is highly organised and the operations here are very well sorted out," he said. "I find working with the Water Tunnel interesting and challenging. I believe the experience will enhance my career."
William emigrated to Australia with his parents when he was one month old. His interests include flying remote controlled helicopters, swimming, tennis, and outdoor activities.
Computer systems engineering is a field for highly trained professionals who need to have knowledge not only of computer software and programming, but also of electronics, mathematics, physics, information theory, and computer hardware. Professionals in the field work with computer systems in such areas as telecommunications, process control, manufacturing, defence, and electronics.
The Year in Industry Program is designed for students studying towards relevant scientific engineering or information technology degrees. The program gives them the chance to apply the theory and practice of their chosen field to the workplace, develop a work ethic, and use this experience to enhance the value of their remaining study.
Students that take part negotiate formalised learning objectives, and receive a stipend over the course of the Program.
Peter C Ellis of ANSTO Human Resources says that the Organisation currently hosts 17 students taking part in the Year in Industry Program.
"ANSTO benefits from the program in a number of ways. Students bring fresh ideas and the latest in theory and practice to the workplace, challenge, and sometimes improve ANSTOs processes, and contribute to the projects and activities of the Organisation," he said.