2024 Steel Intern Scholarships
Daniel C. D'Costa
This summer, I had the opportunity to work as an intern at ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. in Hamilton, Ont., Canada, as a part of the AIST Steel Intern Scholarship. Before my internship began, I was unaware of how detailed and technical the steelmaking process truly is, and I was able to learn so much in just four months.
At Dofasco, I was a member of the Predictive technology services group, working as an electrical technologist. My role was to assist the group with electric motor testing throughout the plant. We tested various motors, both DC and AC induction motors, as a part of the maintenance and reliability program. I learned how to use the motor circuit analyzer to test these motors by measuring resistance and inductance between phases, as well as the motor’s resistance to ground value. These measurements tested the connections, windings, and insulation properties of the motor, and based on our results we could identify if the motor was running smoothly or if it required replacement. I also learned about various types of electronic monitoring equipment, and I was introduced to the control systems for some of the motors we tested.
Dofasco is an integrated steel manufacturing facility. In my position, I had the unique opportunity to travel all around the plant. This allowed me to view all stages of the steelmaking process; from cokemaking and blast furnaces, to steelmaking in the electric arc furnace; all the way to the finishing processes of pickling, cold rolling and galvanization. This introduced me to the various stages of the steelmaking process from start to finish and allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge about just how important each business unit is to the steelmaking process and why steel is such an important material.
I also learned about the safety culture at ArcelorMittal Dofasco and was immersed into this culture from my very first day on the job. I went through a three-day safety orientation course at Dofasco’s Recreational Park and at the Learning and Development Centre located on-site. During these three days, I learned about the many hazards that exist at steel plants, how to identify them and how to avoid injuring myself. Through the safety course, I was able to quickly adjust to the Dofasco culture, and I was able to commit to this culture by continuously practicing all of the safety measures I learned throughout my whole internship.
I want to thank AIST for awarding me with this unique opportunity, as it gave me an experience that will help me both academically and in my career. I also owe it to ArcelorMittal Dofasco and all of my fellow coworkers who always made me feel welcome and kept me safe throughout my internship. I am truly grateful for all of the support I received along the way and now, I have found a new interest in steelmaking.