Lisa Tatafu-Puloka is in for a fascinating insight into how the some of the country's infrastructure projects such as roads, buildings, tunnels, bridges and wastewater systems are planned and executed. She joins mentor Mel Wright, a civil engineering technician from New Zealand's largest infrastructure consultancy, Opus International Consultants, to find out more about industry. First up Mel takes Lisa to the site of Auckland's north western motorway extension where she shows her one of the aspects of her job, taking soil nail tests and recording the results. This test is added to a set of data to give an impression of ground movement over a period of time. Next it's off to the Manukau Train Station for inspection to ensure the reinforcing on site matches the plans before concrete is poured. It's another aspect of Mel's job that takes her out and about to various project sites but she explains to Lisa that there is also plenty of structural draughting and design work she's involved with back in the office. The variety and challenge of solving problems and dealing with people on a daily basis is all part of what Mel enjoys about her job. Find out more about this, and a huge variety of other careers, at www.justthejob.co.nz

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