New underground water pipeline provides TAFE students with hands-on learning experience

Future tradies learned about the installation of a new underground water pipeline that will service 400,000 Melburnians, when Melbourne Water invited a group of Swinburne TAFE plumbing and welding students to visit the Kilsyth to Croydon Water Main Renewal project on Monday 7 August.

The Kilsyth to Croydon water main renewal project is replacing ageing sections of a 4.5km underground water pipeline with two new water mains, each spanning an impressive 1.35m in diameter. 

Students didn’t have to travel far for the visit, with the pipeline currently being laid near the fenceline of the Swinburne Croydon campus as part of a staged rollout over 18 months. 

“We were thrilled to give the students a hands-on experience. The Kilsyth to Croydon mains project is crucial for improving our water infrastructure, and we hope the visit inspires the next generation of tradespeople,” said Luis Plata, Senior Project Manager, Melbourne Water. 

Melbourne Water said that the visit helped lift students’ understanding of the complexities of major water infrastructure projects, and how their training and skills could help deliver such projects. 

“We’re committed to providing opportunities for students to engage with real-world projects and foster interest and skills in the water sector.”  

Installing new water pipelines between Kilsyth and Croydon will reduce water disruptions due to leaks and allow us to provide safe and reliable water supply now and into the future,” said Mr Plata

Swinburne TAFE Croydon said students were grateful for the field experience. 

“The site visit with Melbourne Water was so valuable for our students,” said Swinburne University of Technology Director Trades and Engineering Technologies Bryan Ornsby.

“Seeing the practical application of what they are learning in the classroom brings their studies to life and highlights the contribution they can make to major infrastructure projects in their future careers in construction.  

"The students got real insight into the complexities of large-scale construction projects and an understanding of how this project will enhance water distribution to the 400,000 people who live in the region.” 

The students’ visit included a site induction, learning about PPE, observing channelling and pipeline laying and the opportunity to ask questions of the crew. 

The Kilsyth to Croydon project commenced in 2022 and is scheduled to complete on schedule by the end of September 2024. 

Learn more about the Melbourne Water Kilsyth to Croydon water mains renewal project.