Shanil Perera
Mechanical Engineer, Victoria Department of Transport
Background: Engineering graduate
"When I left university there were a lot of job opportunities out there. But I was looking for something that fitted with my ethos. I chose rail because, not only would I be working in a sector that was thriving, but I’d be part of something big and helping millions of people to move around Victoria.
There’s a general shift all over the world to public transport and rail, it’s so much more sustainable.
There’s so much new technology, so many opportunities, and so much new growth coming.
Around Australia there’s been a huge increase in investment with projects such as the Cross River Rail in Brisbane, the Metro Tunnel in Melbourne and the driverless Sydney Metro. I don’t think this is going to stop growing. I think we’ll see even bigger investments in decades to come.
One of the great things about working in the rail industry is that you get to see the results of your work.
I’m a mechanical engineer working in the rolling stock development division of the Victorian Department of Transport. Since March 2022, I’ve been helping with the development of the Xtrapolis 2.0 for Melbourne's metropolitan network.
Prior to this I worked in the E Class tram project. When I get on a tram, I remember all the things I did to get it working and when a crowd of people get on board, I think to myself that all the work and effort I’ve put in has made a difference.
The rail industry is very collaborative, people are keen to help you and draw you into their projects. There’s a real drive to learn and improve.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from RMIT and received a Master’s in Engineering from the University of South Australia. I worked in the manufacturing sector when I first left university and was given the opportunity to work at Metro Trains Melbourne for several months. This opened up so many opportunities.
I now have a real passion for what I do. That’s something I never felt in any other job.”