How did you hear about the Lendlease Graduate program and what made you apply?
I heard about Lendlease’s 12-week undergraduate learning program with a focus on Digital Engineering whilst in my penultimate semester of university. Being someone with an interest to develop and learning additional skills in this field, I wanted to gain exposure and knowledge from an industry leader on a milestone project, so Lendlease was the place to go! After successfully completing the 12-week programme, I was privileged to streamline into the 2-year grad program where I’ve gained valuable site experience.
What has been your most rewarding experience since joining Lendlease?
There have been various milestones and rewarding aspects of the project so far, however, I feel the most valuable and rewarding experience is witnessing and implementing theoretical skills and lessons learnt in university into day to day site activities. In particular, the current project has offered me insight into a project’s lifecycle, for example, witnessing constraints being overcome in the following; demolition and archaeology in ‘Jackson’s On George’ building, excavation of the sandstone ‘yellow block’ in the basement, establishment and climbing of jump form systems, erection of structural steel tower, façade installation and subsequently the commencement of the various services and fit-out activities. All of this could only be accomplished with coordination, planning and execution by a diverse team of professionals. Being a part of the meetings and planning sessions has reinforced my knowledge of building a milestone project like Circular Quay Tower.
My involvement in the planning and delivery of the structural elements in the Low-rise Lift Motor Room, L25 amenities slab and the C-core jump form have been the highlights of my graduate journey so far. These activities presented various constraints in programme, cost, quality and safety, however working with an experienced team of leaders, we were able to overcome and successfully deliver.
What difference has this experience made for you (i.e. personally, your career, or in the community)
Personally, this experience has provided an intrinsic motivation and drive to do better. It has instilled skills like patience and conflict resolution, time management, site safety and quality management which can only be taught through practical experience. I can say boldly that I have used these skills to develop in my personal life also.
What do you like most about working for Lendlease?
The experience of working with a diverse group of gifted minds has to be the best thing working in Lendlease. Each person has a story of their own and shares it with each other. A sense of family can be taken in amongst the team. This helps in keeping difficult situations calm and helps provide reasonable methods to resolve challenges.
What role and/or project would you like to work on in the future?
I would love to utilise skills and knowledge learned on this graduate journey to one day lead a diverse team of construction professionals to successfully deliver a milestone project in Sydney, interstate or even overseas.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming Graduate?
Remember, you can achieve anything you truly believe you can accomplish. Attitudes like; “it’s too hard”, “can’t do”, “don’t like to do” will be a hindrance in your growth and career progression. Always give it a fair go and manifest the best possible outcome. The team around you will surely help you out!