It takes two: Luke Smith and Josh Carroll on mentoring and a sustainable future

Josh Carroll commenced the Cardno Graduate Program during an unsettling time, during the middle of the COVID pandemic. Fortunately for him, and also for Luke Smith, Associate Engineer, Traffic Engineering, it has all worked out for the better. A strong mentoring relationship between the pair has developed. which is based on trust, respect and common interests including a love of sports - rugby, cricket, F1, and a passion for renewable energy.

Originally from country Victoria, Josh made the move from Horsham to the big smoke to study at Monash University. After graduating with a civil engineering degree, Josh joined the traffic engineering team in 2021.

Luke joined the company four years ago after a ten-year stint in local government as a Council Engineer. Working on projects in which he's interested, Luke has taken the lead on a diverse range of projects, including changing the way we shop with Woolworths contactless grocery pick-up and more recently, wind farms.

18 months in, we speak to Josh and Luke to find out what has made their mentor/mentee relationship such a success.

Josh says "I've been exposed to a much more diverse range of work than I had originally anticipated from traffic management for urban infill projects such as Plenty River Trail to feasibility studies for Golden Plains Windfarm. This has helped me quickly develop a range of technical skills in the short period since joining the team.

Luke has significantly helped in accelerating my progression as a graduate, from delivering report and analysis-based work, to collaborating with our clients and managing projects independently."

Working on Golden Plains Windfarm project has ignited Josh's passion for renewable energy.

Luke says "Josh has been a great new addition to our team. He joined with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and assist on any project thrown at him. He has matured and progressed at an unbelievable rate and is now an integral member of the Traffic Engineering team.

With abilities and work ethic that are far beyond his years, Josh's work quality and attention to detail are second to none. Approachable and savvy, he has already developed an excellent rapport with clients. He has a bright future in this industry and we are lucky to have him."

Over the past few months, the pair have been working on wind farm projects across the country, building a reputation in the industry and generating work by word of mouth.

The biggest impact on traffic occurs during the construction phase, when truckloads of concrete and turbine parts are delivered to site.

The traffic management plan prepared by Luke and Josh typically covers:

• Quantifying the number of trips required during construction
• Quantifying the types of trips and the loads
• Determining the best route for the traffic to transport components to site
• Identifying optimal times of the day for transport to occur
• Specifying road upgrades required

Windfarm projects around Australia

In the past 2 years, Luke has seen a vast change and increase in the demand for renewable energy in Australia, noting a markedly shift from the standard coal power to wind energy.

With the demand for wind energy steadily on the rise, Luke foresees this growth continuing for the next 30 years until Australia meets the target of 8000 Terawatt hour (TWh).

I'm excited to not only be actively contributing to one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world right now but also to be involved in developing a sustainable environment for future generations"adds Josh.

"As a community, we need to support the energy transition, shifting how we produce and consume energy. The way forward is clean energy, a win-win for a more resilient and sustainable way of life." says Luke.

Luke Smith and Josh Carroll are in the Traffic Engineering Team in Victoria. Read more about our diverse range of traffic projects.