From placement to permanent employment

Thanaphol Vimolkiet excelled as an international student in Chisholm’s Bachelor of Engineering Technology and was offered a job straight after graduating. Here, he shares his story.

Thanaphol Vimolkiet has always loved hands-on study, and that’s the main reason he chose Chisholm for his tertiary education.

Thanaphol was born and raised in Thailand.

After high school, he decided to study chemical engineering, as the career prospects for engineers are solid in Thailand, and the money is good too.

Thanaphol ended up working as a mechanical engineer but decided to further his education in the field.

“I started looking for mechanical jobs in Australia,” says Thanaphol.

“My sister lives in Australia. She convinced me the education in Australia is of a very high standard.”

Thanaphol compared several universities and TAFE institutions and found that Chisholm offered the perfect mix of theoretical study with hands-on practical learning.

Thanaphol enrolled in Chisholm’s Bachelor of Engineering Technology.

The degree allows you to specialise in Mechatronics or Mechanical and Manufacturing Technology. Thanaphol chose the latter.

“There was a lot of practical stuff, which I really enjoyed,” says Thanaphol. “It makes learning fun, rather than studying textbooks all year.”

Thanaphol did exceptionally well at Chisholm. He proved to have a strong academic record, outstanding work ethics, and an ability to think outside the box.

For his efforts, Thanaphol was named International Student of the Year at the 2023 Chisholm Education Awards.

Thanaphol found the teachers to be very encouraging and supportive during his time at Chisholm.

“Some of the students were young and living away from their home towns, some might be out of home for the first time or away from their country,” he says.

“Our teachers were very flexible with them.”

Thanaphol received a job offer straight after doing his work placement at McConnell Dowell, a construction company.

As a quality engineer on a construction site, Thanaphol’s role is to ensure the site engineers perform tasks to standard and meet their clients’ requirements.

Thanaphol says Chisholm taught him job-ready skills like how to apply himself, complete a task according to a timeline and problem solve.

“My advice to others who may be considering studying engineering is to pay attention for three years and after that you will be rewarded for your whole life,” he says.

When Thanaphol is not working, he loves cooking, getting creative with coffee art, spending time with his sister and donating plasma.

“Two years ago, my mum passed away from cancer. I want to help save other lives because I know the pain of losing someone you love.

“It makes me feel happy.”

Thanaphol hopes to one day become a teacher in the field of engineering. At this rate, he is well on his way to working towards his dream.