Training and Mentoring at machinemonitor®: Building the Future of Engineering
John Bunt, NSW / Vic Regional Manager discusses working at machinemonitor.
At machinemonitor®, safety, training and mentoring have always been the foundation of our success.
For over 25 years, we’ve been at the forefront of high-voltage engineering, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains reliable and efficient. A key part of our success? Passing down knowledge to the next generation of engineers.
Watch John’s video to hear firsthand how training has shaped his career—and why he’s still passionate about mentoring the next generation at 75:
“A lot of engineers today focus on one particular task. But at machinemonitor®, we ensure our team understands a broad range of disciplines so they know exactly what they’re doing in the field.”
Our structured mentorship program ensures that new team members don’t just learn the theory—they gain practical, real-world skills through on-site training and industry-leading technology.
Mentorship that makes a difference and builds a team
“You walk into a workshop to do a quality audit, and the guys there will know in five seconds if you understand what you're doing. That’s why our training is paramount.”
At machinemonitor®, we don’t just hire engineers—we develop industry leaders. Our structured mentoring approach ensures that new talent grows into highly skilled professionals who can handle the complexities of modern industrial maintenance.
A whole-person approach to training and safety
Our training process follows a step-by-step approach:
✅ Fundamentals first – Engineers start by understanding the basics, including high-voltage machine testing, condition monitoring, and risk analysis.
✅ Hands-on site work – Before working independently, they shadow senior engineers, learning how to diagnose and maintain critical infrastructure.
✅ Technical mastery – Using advanced monitoring tools, engineers refine their skills, ensuring they can interpret and act on real-time data effectively.
✅ Continuous learning – Technology is evolving, and so are we. Regular training sessions keep our team updated with the latest AI-driven monitoring systems and best practices in electrical engineering.
✅ Safety culture – Safety and wellbeing is at the heart of everything - reflected in our award-winning workplace safety culture so you can work confidently in high-voltage environments.
Watch the full video above or read the transcript below:
“I started with this company in year 2000, roughly, and I've been with the company close on 24 years.”
“All the major businesses in Australia and the power generation systems have been involved with machinemonitor® over the 25 years, and most of them pretty much still are.”
“My background was I was the manager of a big repair house in Wollongong years ago; had 250 people under me. There were over four different departments, shipping, motor repair, switchboard manufacturer, cable repairs, and just general high-voltage service work.
“So, obviously, those sort of backgrounds for me gave me the knowledge and experience that I've over the years.”
“There's been massive technical advances in the type of test equipment that's available, for instance. We've gone from, you like antiquated ways of doing it to modernised electronics.”
“You need a good compromise between in-house people that can do the analysis correctly; and getting in data from remote monitoring and also having the right team, if you like, that can actually do the site works.”
“A lot of engineers tend to concentrate on one particular task these days. They're not broad-spectrum people. Some could be just on transformers, some might be machines, some might be monitoring systems and electronics.
“But our role as machinemonitor® is to have all those bases covered. We need a bit of background, for most of our people, in all those areas so they understand what they're doing.”
“You walk into a workshop to do a quality audit, the guys in that workshop can pick you in five seconds whether you're capable understand what they're doing or not. Know what I mean?
“And that's where the training is, in our scenario, for those sort of roles is paramount. That they understand what they're doing before they go.”
“We actually have a system where we get the guys in go through the basics, understand how all the instruments work, and physically train on site and how to run it before they're signed off to be able to do it. So, you know, that mentoring, if you like, is a critical part of our process.”
“Most people that we've had from over the last, new interns coming in; basically have been, you know, 85 per cent plus of them have been willing to learn. Most of them shown a lot of interest in wanting to learn. “But it takes a while to get that experience level up. That's the problem.”
“Understand that it's not going to be roses. There are going times when it's bit difficult. There's times when, you know, you feel a bit frustrated. But if you stick with the task and seek assistance, right, from right people within the organisation, it will be forthcoming. And make your particular role more rewarding.”
“I think just being part of the team has been the most rewarding part in my life at machinemonitor®.
“You've always had someone that can back you up. You are also prepared to back them up if required. And that's been – the team structure here has been excellent for as many years as I've been here.”
“We've won several awards for having the best safety system in industry for a long time. And we're very proud of that!”
"I enjoy what I do. I still enjoy what I do. That's why I guess I'm still working at 75."
Machines delegates represented industries including utilities, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and power generation of course. Both renewable and traditional needing powerful generators, motors, transformers, cables, and switchgear.
Taking our program cues from delegate feedback, Machines2024 strongly focused on practical solutions for working with machines in the field. This year's sessions concentrated on reliability, sustainability, and longevity, addressing the need for extending the life of high-voltage machines, especially as many plants operate beyond their intended lifespan.
The maintenance versus replacement debate remained a hot topic, supported by international speakers from E/One and IRIS Power. They discussed the value of monitoring equipment to maintain plant reliability. Nearly 100 specialist delegates attended, and AEW delegates frequently joined them, appreciating the practical approach to similar challenges discussed at AEW.