Electrician Brandon Houghton is a young Indigenous employee who has steadily climbed the ranks at UGL. Starting as a summer undergraduate intern, he has skilfully navigated a diverse career path and set his sights on inspiring the next generation.
After finishing high school, Brandon joined UGL through a summer undergraduate program, balancing his early professional experience with studies at the University of Technology Sydney. "I started with a three-month program working on a radio project, and it progressed from there," he said. Following his internship, he joined UGL's signalling team as a cadet engineer, working on the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) project for over a year before deciding to pursue an electrical apprenticeship.
His decision to take on an apprenticeship - rather than continue directly along a university pathway - was influenced by his mentor, UGL Superintendent, Paull Walker. "After speaking with Paull, I thought getting on-site experience would give me the best of both worlds. A lot of engineers just go from uni straight into the office, but having on-site knowledge brings a broader perspective," said Brandon. That decision has paid off, equipping him with technical expertise and leadership experience, enabling him to supervise teams and manage site operations by his third year as an apprentice.
Looking back, one of the highlights of his journey has been the ability to progress so quickly. "After starting as a first-year apprentice, I advanced quickly to a supervisor role, managing people on-site and taking on more responsibilities. It's been very rewarding," he said.
Beyond his technical and leadership responsibilities, Brandon plays a key role in UGL’s community-focused initiatives, including NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week. As a proud member of the Bidjigal and Yuin tribes, he is driven to promote cultural awareness and help create pathways for Indigenous youth exploring careers in industry. "I try to show our younger generations what's possible and how they can succeed," he said. He also maintains strong connections with Indigenous organisations and ambassadors, ensuring ongoing support and mentorship for others.
Building on his professional growth, Brandon recently began an Aboriginal leadership course through UGL and Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC), which fosters workplace leadership, team bonding, and strategy implementation. The program emphasises how small contributions can drive significant outcomes, a philosophy he applies daily. With graduation from the course just weeks away, he is enthusiastic about further integrating these skills into his role.
Brandon remains open-minded about his future. He plans to spend at least one to two more years gaining experience as an electrician before deciding whether to transition back into an office-based role in project engineering or management. "At the moment, I’m just enjoying the experience, but having options is a great feeling," he said.
Brandon’s journey shows how UGL supports career development and champions diversity and inclusion. It demonstrates the impact of opportunity and mentorship, particularly for Indigenous youth, in helping shape future leaders who can inspire the next generation.