A 12-week internship has turned into a full-time employment opportunity with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) for Griffith University student Adil Rachidi.

It’s more than an amazing opportunity for the Moroccan-born student, who has always dreamed of finding a career where he can combine his two passions of sport and engineering.

“This is something close to my heart to combine sport with engineering as it’s just what I love to do,” he said.

“When you arrive at GOLDOC, you read the motto ‘share the dream’ and for me I’m really living a dream now — it’s amazing.”

Adil, who will join the Engineering Services team, is the first Griffith student intern to be offered employment at GOLDOC.

He is one of six Griffith students placed in internships in the areas of Digital Media, Venue Overlay Design, Accommodation and Communication, and Engagement, since December.

More than 250 students will have the opportunity to work as interns across a range of areas at GOLDOC in the lead-up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

During his initial 12-week internship, Adil has been tasked with assisting in the development and coordination of overlay engineering work for venue overlay design purposes, including mechanical, electrical and hydraulic load assessments. He has also been investigating design requirements for GOLDOC functional areas and visiting sites such as the new velodrome at Chandler, in Brisbane, to view work in progress.

“It really is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to work on the Games and with people who have so much experience that I can learn from,” he said.

Adil will start part-time work first while he completes his final subject of a Bachelor of Engineering at Griffith, before continuing in a full-time job at GOLDOC.

Griffith University Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Martin Betts said Adil’s employment offer highlights the extraordinary opportunities available to Griffith students through the University’s partnership with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“As the leading and largest university at the Gold Coast, Griffith is dedicated to creating possibilities for our students and the community,” he said.

“This is a great example of how Griffith’s industry connections are successful in preparing students for the workforce and an amazing career.”

GOLDOC Head of Workforce Ms Jessica Platts said the timing was perfect to provide Adil with a graduate opportunity and further his experience working alongside some of the most highly qualified people in the multi-sport Games and event industry.

“Adil showed a great passion and enthusiasm during his internship with GOLDOC and while there won’t always be a graduate opportunity for interns, on this occasion it suited both parties,” she said.

“GOLDOC is delighted with the Griffith University internship program thus far, and we are enjoying the eagerness and curiosity the students bring to the organisation.

“It means our team members are genuinely sharing their vast knowledge in a very meaningful way, which is a legacy from GC2018 of which we are very proud.”