Working with family is not for everyone – but for the Agostini siblings at Callide Power Station it’s unlocked both career opportunity and the chance for their kids to grow up together.
Making the move to biloela
Trent Agostini, Unit C3 Outage Project Superintendent and Bec Agostini, Human Resources Advisor, both work at Callide Power Station.
Coincidentally, they had a trial run working together when they were much younger, getting their first jobs together at Foodworks in Bundaberg.
Years later, Trent made the move to Biloela and shared his experience with Bec, who later decided to explore opportunities at Callide.
“I moved here when my in-laws bought a bakery,” Trent said. “At Callide I saw the opportunities here for someone who wants to go outside their comfort zone, and the great work life balance. I encouraged Bec to consider the opportunities here, and she decided to apply for a role.
“Bec started as a trainee and has progressed through her own hard work and initiative. She’s always put her hand up for more opportunity and seeing what she’s capable of has been an eye opener.”
What’s it like working together?
While they now work in different teams, the two of them worked together on the Unit C4 restoration – a high-pressure project that required clear and open communication.
“Bec and I are very similar in our personality and work ethic, so we can be direct with each other when we communicate and it works.”
For Bec, as she grew her career at CS Energy from trainee to Human Resources Advisor, having a trusted colleague as a sounding board has been invaluable.
“It’s reassuring to be able to bounce ideas off someone who understands the business and wants the best for you,” Bec said.
Living where you work
With six kids between them, the work life balance offered by CS Energy has been important in achieving the close family connection they wanted for their kids.
“We meet at the bakery in the afternoon and either leave with a car full of kids – you’ve got their kids or they’ve got yours,” Bec said. “They live in each other’s pockets and they love it.
“It’s really important to have quality time outside of work and we get together on weekends at the gym and work out.
“And because it’s a small community, people take safety on site very seriously. People at Callide want to keep their mates and community safe,” Bec said.
Would you recommend CS Energy to others?
Both Trent and Bec say they wouldn’t hesitate to recommend CS Energy as a great place to work, based on their own experiences.
“I’d say give it a crack,” Trent said.