Following a six year career in the beauty industry, Berenique moved states to take on a new traineeship with Seqwater Queensland. As a new recruit to the Australian water industry, Berenique shares what motivated her to a diverse career change as well as her learnings to date.
How long have you been working in the water industry and how did you start (the role and organisation)?
My journey in the water industry began earlier this year when I joined Seqwater Queensland as a Trainee Water Treatment Plant Operator. Prior to this role, I spent six years working in the beauty industry in Alice Springs, where my focus was on helping people feel confident and cared for. Despite the diverse career change, the water industry is not an entirely foreign concept to me as both my parents have dedicated their lives to this field, and their passion has always inspired me. Growing up I saw first-hand the importance of clean, safe water and the hard work that goes into delivering it to peoples homes. My parents often spoke about the challenges they faced, but what stood out the most was their immense pride and fulfilment in their work. They didn’t just see it as a job, they saw it as a service to the community, one that bought them unlimited gratification – this is what drew me to the water industry. Within a quick 6 months, I made the decision to pack up my life in Alice Springs, move to Queensland and dive into an exciting new trainee ship within this field.
Tell us a bit about your career journey?
My career started in the beauty industry, where I worked for six years, helping clients feel confident and empowered. I loved the personal connections I made and the satisfaction of making someone’s day a little brighter. However, I reached a point where I wanted to contribute to something on a larger scale. After seeing a Seqwater trainee recruitment video on LinkedIn, I saw a pathway to an opportunity for something more fulfilling. Having clean water, whether it’s for washing your dishes or drinking it, should be a basic human right to everyone’s well-being and the idea of working in an industry that ensures safe, reliable water for communities really inspired me. That’s when I decided to pursue a traineeship with Seqwater, stepping into an entirely new world of technical learning and hands-on problem-solving.
In your experience, what are some of the most pressing water quality challenges or issues facing the region or industry you work in, and how have you addressed them in your role?
Although I’m still new to the industry, my induction process included visits to the North Pine, West Bank (Mt Crosby), and Beaudesert treatment plants (pictured above), where I’ll be based. These visits have already shown me how vital it is to maintain water quality throughout the entire treatment process. One of the key challenges is ensuring water remains safe and sustainable despite changing environmental conditions, such as heavy rainfall or drought. In my role, I’m learning how monitoring systems, treatment adjustments, chemical management, and strong teamwork all work together to overcome these challenges and deliver consistent, high-quality water to the community.
Any advice for young operators in the industry facing similar challenges?
My advice would be to stay curious, ask questions, and embrace the learning curve. Coming from a completely different industry, I’ve realised that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re part of the process. Find mentors, lean on your team, and remember why you started this journey. Knowing your work directly impacts the community makes it all worthwhile.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidelines related to water quality reporting and compliance?
As a trainee, I stay up-to-date by learning from my colleagues, attending training sessions, online and in person, and familiarising myself with industry guidelines provided by Seqwater and organisations like WIOA. Being on-site every day also gives me hands-on exposure to how regulations are applied in practice, which helps reinforce my understanding.
What’s your favorite part about working in the Australian Water Industry?
My favourite part is knowing that the work I do contributes to something essential for entire communities. It’s rewarding to see how each step in the water treatment process plays a role in delivering safe, clean water to people’s homes. I also love how supportive and collaborative the industry is, everyone is passionate about what they do and are willing to share their knowledge.
Any advice for young operators entering the water industry?
Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. Every expert was once a beginner, and the water industry is full of people willing to help you learn. Stay open-minded, ask questions, and trust that your skills from other experiences whether customer service, problem-solving, or teamwork—are more transferable than you might think.
Are you a WIOA Member? If yes, can you please share more about your member experience to date?
I’ve recently joined WIOA, and I’m really excited to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community. While I’m still new to the organisation, it’s already clear how valuable it is for connecting with others in the industry, sharing knowledge, and learning from experienced professionals. I’m looking forward to getting more involved, expanding my skills, and contributing to the water industry alongside other passionate members.