Western Australian Engineer Craig Power has taken away the Professional Engineer of the Year Award at 2018 WA Australian Engineering Excellence Awards held in Perth.
Power took home the award for his work on engineering related digital OHS systems as well as a number of engineering education projects, including mentoring high school students through their STEM studies.
Power couldn’t believe it when he found out he was this year’s award winner.
“I found myself asking the question ‘Why me? What is different and outstanding?” Power said.
“There are so many large and complex engineering projects and engineering research projects in play here in WA.
“I was completely stunned, surprised and humbled to be given the award,”
One of the projects Power has been working on is his patented digital Lock and Tag equipment isolation process called iSOL8™ using Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology.
iSOL8™ has attracted genuine inquiries from Australian based international companies including Thales and Tecnicas Reunidas as well as international interest from Accenture - India.
The second project Power is working on that has garnered attention is isoPlan, a digital system for the design of lock out tag out Isolation Plans using isolation device NFC ID data which is embedded in the Smart Drawing P&ID database.
Power says the programs will have a big impact on Australian & West Australian industry.
“iSOL8 and isoPlan will improve employee safety by reducing the likelihood of errors when isolating and working on plant,” Power said.
“These programs will make our WA and Australian industries more competitive through increasing plant availability by reducing OHS administrative time for isolation processes.”
Power is also passionate about re-engaging students and getting them interested in STEM based careers, particularly girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Power is a mentor for Year 10 and 11 students in STEM project based learning programs using equipment like 3D printing, laser cutting technology and drones to keep them engaged and interested.
“I want to assist our high school educators,” Power said.
“By facilitating project based learning programs we can help students become curious and engaged in STEM topics, to develop their soft skills and also arm them for the digital age.”
Not limiting himself to high school students, Power also mentors second and third year students from Curtin University, providing them with the opportunity to accompany him on OHS consulting field trips and gain first-hand experience in the field.
Power continues to work on NFC related OHS projects including iSOL8, isoPlan and a new application he is working on called Radius. He will also continue his mentoring work with Cecil Andrews High School PBL programs and Curtin University Students.
When asked about his profession Power speaks with as much passion as ever.
“I had and still have an intense curiosity to understand and solve practical engineering and community challenges.”