16 March 2026
Three of Leed’s newest undergraduate and graduate engineers have made the crossover from university studies to live worksites and are thriving in these real-world projects.
Irfan Sultani, Eric Tsoukatos and Craig Hamilton have all been working on pipeline projects that will provide vital water infrastructure for the thousands of new residents who will move into Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
This has included the $31.5M Angle Vale pipeline project (stage 1), which involves the installation of 4.5km welded pipeline up to 1m in diameter, and the Riverlea project, which involves the supply and installation of 1.3km of trunk main pipeline for the Riverlea housing development.
Irfan, Eric and Craig are all at different stages of their journeys with the company. Irfan is in the third year of civil and structural engineering studies at Adelaide University. He started his undergraduate internship with Leed over the summer and has since won an undergraduate role.
Craig has been with Leed as an undergraduate engineer since May 2025. He’s studying civil and structural engineering and came to the company with significant site experience, having worked as a machine operator previously.
Meanwhile, Eric—a former participant in Leed’s undergraduate program—has recently been offered a graduate place with Leed.
These early career engineers share their experiences and describe Leed as a company with a reputation for a great culture, where everyone wants to help you succeed.
What have you learnt on site and how has that helped you grow as an engineer?
New graduate engineer Eric has had the chance to work on three pipeline projects in adjacent locations. ‘A definite highlight so far was being exposed to and learning about microtunneling works,’ he says. ‘Microtunnelling was used as a trenchless digging method to dig under critical rail line infrastructure and feed pipes through this tunnel.’
For early career engineers, the daily tasks can be many and varied. Craig says his list of undergraduate duties has ranged from attending pre-starts and helping to manage subcontractors on site—to obtaining fittings and fixtures, paperwork for deliveries, and using the Trimble GPS system to calculate the volume of stockpiles.
As a graduate, Eric is being given more responsibility. He is now presenting at toolbox meetings and pre-starts, inducting new workers to site, capturing and marking out services and utilities, pressure testing completed sections of pipeline and much more.
They all agree that being on site has been fundamental to their development as engineers. Irfan says site experience has enabled him to see the theory ‘in real life’ and to write reports having seen first-hand what he is describing.
Craig agrees that being on site has helped to bridge the gap between his university studies and live projects. His previous experience operating a digger on worksites has been helpful. ‘I know how things need to be set out on site to make their jobs easy,’ he says.
What support have you had during the program – such as any mentors or buddies who have assisted you?
Irfan, Eric and Craig agreed that they were surrounded by people who were willing to help them on site and answer questions. Eric added that so many people have helped him that he couldn’t possibly name them all.
Irfan says: ‘Everyone is friendly and good to talk to. The trades are wonderful people and always explain why we do things and whatever we do, there’s a purpose.’
What attracted you to Leed and why should other students apply for our undergraduate and graduate programs?
Craig says: ‘I knew about Leed from working in the industry. It’s a good company with a good culture and support network.
Irfan agreed with this saying: ‘Supervisors and managers are very willing to guide students and help them learn, which makes it a great place for undergraduates and graduates to gain practical engineering experience.’
Meanwhile, Eric talked about the connection to the bigger picture: ‘I loved that Leed was a local company established here in South Australia, who have now expanded throughout the eastern side of Australia. Given the expansion of Adelaide and the infrastructure demands required, being able to work on projects that facilitate this demand is also quite a cool feeling, knowing that I am playing a part in growing my home city.’
To find out more about Leed’s early career engineering programs or express your interest go to https://www.leed.net.au/working-at-leed/graduates-and-undergraduates/