Charlotte Budge

Asset Inspector, Sterling Infrastructure

Background: Asset Inspector

“Working in rail is fun. I’m an asset inspector which means I’m outside and moving around, not staring at the same wall every day.

I'm originally from Darwin. I'd been working as an asset inspector with a New South Wales power company and before that in traffic management. These are both in-demand rail roles, so when I came to Melbourne, Sterling Infrastructure offered me a job.

At the moment on a typical day, I visit railway stations around Melbourne, inspecting power poles and making sure they’re serviceable. I’m getting to discover so many new parts of the city.

I’ve worked in remote areas before and I liked that. But I’m enjoying the city, too. I love knowing that in rail I’ll have the opportunity to do both. And that what I do has a purpose.

I would definitely recommend a job in rail to anyone who doesn’t like sitting at a desk day after day. And to people who want to learn new skills, because in rail you’re definitely going to be doing that.

There are lots of great opportunities for women in the rail sector, and it’s a place they can feel comfortable.

There are so many different roles in rail. I want to stay in the industry and gain new skills in different areas.”