Where are they now – Michael Hickey (SPC 2000-02)

The College reconnects with Michael Hickey (SPC 2000-02), who credits his SPC education for helping him to get where he is today as a leading hand electrician on a multi-billion dollar project.

 

 

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

Being a boarder, after SPC, I went home to live with mum and dad in Mildura. Not really knowing what I wanted to do, I applied and got an apprenticeship with the NSW electricity provider (Essential Energy). After spending four years doing my apprenticeship and six as a qualified electrician, I then moved out into local contracting around Mildura for two years before moving into the oil, gas and mining industry and working on big projects in Queensland on Curtis Island, Gina Reinhardt’s Roy Hill Iron Ore mine in Western Australia, a 10mW solar farm in Western Australia and currently on the construction of Inpex’s gas project in Darwin.

I have also married and have three children, Ethan (4), Annika (2) and Ivy, 4 months.

What are your favourite memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

My favourite memories would have to be playing in the 1st XVIII for Year 11 and 12, and also in the boarding house spending time with great friends.

 

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

Howard Clark had the greatest impact. He never actually taught me in a classroom, but as a football coach, he instilled in me the dedication and commitment required to play football to your full potential. I attribute this to the success that I have had both as a team member, individually and as a coach myself.

 

How has your education shaped your professional life?

I wasn’t a very good student when I was younger, but being older and wiser now, I am a leading hand electrician on a multi-billion dollar project and I have my education to thank for this as it has given me the skills to be a leader and mentor to apprentices and peers.

 

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

Being at boarding school and away from my parents, I learnt how to “look after” myself to a certain extent, which I hope I can pass on to my son as he grows up.

 

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

Study hard, but if you don’t get the university score that you are after, then don’t let that be the end of your world. I never went to uni and now I have a great job which supports my family more than any university degree would have.