Since joining the ATC Williams Rising Stars Graduate program, Nicola, Alfie, Harmony-Tree and Chloe have worked 1-2 days a week at our Melbourne and Brisbane offices while completing their undergraduate degrees. The transition to the Rising Star program is only open to students who complete our Undergraduate 3-month Placement. Applications open again in 2026.
Below, they share their early-career highlights and the unexpected benefits of our unique program.
Nicola Moffat – Brisbane Office
BE/ME Civil Engineering
University of Queensland
Over the year, I have been involved primarily with projects in Papua New Guinea, learning about climatic and seismic challenges. I have been able to apply knowledge from my Mine Waste Management class concerning governance and understanding the role of the GISTM in ensuring responsible engineering.
ATC Williams has a relaxed and supportive environment. My mentors have been amazing at taking the time to sit down with me, giving me valuable insights into projects and engineering skills. I appreciate the support I’ve received in nurturing my development. There is a culture of ensuring employee well-being, and I’ve enjoyed the fun events and many lunches, too.
I have enjoyed learning everything (which has been a lot), but I have enjoyed developing my technical and report-writing skills the most. Overall, I feel like my confidence has significantly improved.
Next, I am looking forward to a site visit to see the work we do in person. I will be completing my industry placement project through ATCW, which gives me direct engineering and project management experience while completing my degree.
Alfie Chapman – Melbourne Office
Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science
RMIT University
Since joining the program in December 2024, I’ve been involved with several key projects, including a site visit in central Victoria. The experience I gained on-site was invaluable and is an experience that I will always remember.
Working in ATCW’s laboratory, I’ve learned how to do a range of testing, such as PSD, Hydrometer, Triaxial, Proctor Compaction and Atterberg Limits. In the office, I’ve gained experience with slope stability analyses on GeoStudio and drafting on BricsCAD. The extensive work experience has been enjoyable.
I have been engaged with several senior engineers as mentors, who have been incredibly helpful and patient with me. I feel as though I have learnt continuously throughout my time here, which is a credit to the management. Taking part in the end-of-month social activities has been awesome for getting to know everyone.
I have felt 100% supported from day one, which has been encouraging, insightful and positive.
Harmony-Tree Hansen – Brisbane Office
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) / Bachelor of Environmental Science
Griffith University
A highlight this year was writing a proposal for a landfill gas monitoring project, then winning the work, developing the monitoring program, and reporting on the first round of monitoring. I also met the client on site and saw the project at its beginning. It has been rewarding to be involved in an ongoing piece of work with real-world impact.
I’ve enjoyed applying hydrology and environmental engineering knowledge in real-world projects. Working with the Surface Water team in Brisbane, I’ve learned about water balancing, accounting, and water quality reporting, and I’ve worked on a variety of projects with the Waste team. I have also developed my skills in QGIS and GoldSim.
It is satisfying to see how the theory from my degree connects with the practical work we do at ATCW, especially in surface water and environmental reporting. Beyond technical skills, I’ve learned about project and team management, client relations and company development.
I am grateful to the many project managers who are available to have a conversation and answer my questions. My team leader has been understanding and flexible about university commitments, which has made a big difference in helping me maintain a healthy balance. I have learned that mentors who genuinely invest in your development, challenge you to think deeply, and believe in your potential are invaluable.
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Chloe Rynne – Brisbane Office
Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science
Queensland University of Technology
A highlight of the past year has been gaining hands-on experience through site visits, including a regional mine dam safety inspection and inspections of works within an eco-park. I have been involved in several projects, including flood impact assessments, water management plans and a surface water monitoring program. I’ve enjoyed learning how to model surface water flows using TUFLOW.
The senior engineers and mentors I work with have been incredibly supportive in my development. Their guidance has strengthened my confidence and technical understanding. They are consistently looking for opportunities to support my growth in the industry, whether through project exposure, technical discussions, or professional development opportunities. I also had the valuable opportunity to attend a Women in Engineering Conference in Brisbane.
Looking ahead, I would love to be involved in a closure project. I’m interested in the range of challenges involved in mine closure, and I’m eager to develop the technical knowledge required for this discipline.
Fast-track your future with us.
The ATCW Graduate Program ensures real-world multi-disciplinary learning. Upon graduation, these participants will be well-positioned to work full-time as a Level 1 Engineer or Scientist.
Learn more about our undergrad and graduate programs