Ashleigh - A Day in the Lab
Ashleigh loved growing up and being schooled in the Pilbara in Western Australia. But being educated in Karratha, didn’t mean Ashleigh’s dream of a career in science was hindered. In fact, it helped.
Lab testing and sampling is Ashleigh’s dream job
Ashleigh loved growing up and being schooled in the Pilbara in Western Australia. But being educated in Karratha, didn’t mean Ashleigh’s dream of a career in science was hindered. In fact, it helped.
After finishing year 12 at St Luke's College, Ashleigh moved to Perth to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at university.
“I always had the thought of coming back to Karratha, especially with all my family still up here. And I made sure I was back up in time to apply for the Woodside traineeship jobs,” said Ashleigh.
Ashleigh applied for a Woodside traineeship through Programmed. A few months later, her career path was set, back home in the Pilbara where she’d started.
“I got the call the call from Programmed and was offered the Laboratory Traineeship, it was such an exciting feeling!”
Ashleigh was offered a traineeship and within two years, she was a fully-fledged Laboratory Technician.
Her role includes sampling and testing site process and discharge waters, oil and condensate, gas and emissions, from offshore to onshore and even to shipping.
“Every day I learn something new. The work is so interesting. I absolutely love it.”
Impressively, just 18 months later and with several colleagues on leave, Ashleigh was offered an opportunity to step up and fill the role of Laboratory Shift Analyst. An impressive rise up the ranks.
"I'd been working really hard to get my competencies up throughout the lab, taking any opportunity to learn from other people and I put in my development plan that I wanted to be on shift with an aspiration to be a Lab Lead Analyst. So, for more than eight months I've seen the lab from morning to evening and taking on extra responsibilities. I've really enjoyed it," said Ashleigh.
Ashleigh says she’ll also consider furthering her studies by taking advantage of Woodside’s development opportunities, which can include utilising the Further Education Assistance policy. She says, that could result in a degree in chemistry, broadening her career prospects into the future.
In 2024, Woodside has supported 16 school leavers and 10 mature age recruits from Karratha. Out of the new recruits, 44% were Indigenous and 35% female.
If you're interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship at Woodside head here for more information.
