A Unique Apprenticeship Program

Meet Danielle Kaine, Apprentice at Taylor. 

2021 was an unprecedented year. Completing Year 12 in a lockdown meant a virtual graduation ceremony, no University ‘Open Days’ and a big shift in the process for school graduates entering tertiary studies.  

It was time for me to explore my options, and navigate the beginning of my journey as a young professional. I was intrigued by the prospect of a career in infrastructure, and decided to pursue this interest in the School Infrastructure NSW Traineeship.

Tell us about the School Infrastructure NSW Traineeship – what’s involved? 

In the School Infrastructure NSW Traineeship, real-life work experience is complemented by my studies as I work towards a Procurement and Contracts Certificate IV. My week is split between practical experience at Taylor and my TAFE classes. 

The program requires a 38-hour commitment per week, or five working days (9:00am – 5:00pm). One of these days is allocated to TAFE classes, delivered via online lectures, and independent study. These classes are a highlight of the program – I will continue to attend them virtually over the next two years.  

How did you come across this opportunity?
I discovered the program at TAFE via Seek. They had advertised the School Infrastructure NSW Traineeship as a pathway into the construction sector. I’ve always been intrigued by property and construction – it’s an ever-evolving industry that’s critical to the success of our economy. With so many divisions – major builds, industrial, regional, live environments and more – you can carve out a career suited to personal interests.   

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to gain work experience while I study. Every day is a unique opportunity to learn, and I have no doubt that the program will hold me in good stead as I eventually transition into full-time employment.

What are your motivations for working in this industry? 

I’ve had a long-standing interest in engineering – it seems natural to pursue a career in the construction and property space!  

I am conscious of the drive for gender equity in this sector. I hope that, down the line, I can inspire other women to follow their dreams and find their feet in male-dominated industries. As a collective, we can achieve so much more when there is diversity of thought, diversity of age, diversity of gender and diversity of heritage.  

What was the process of applying for the School Infrastructure NSW Traineeship? 

Step 1: Complete an online application and provide my resume. 

Step 2: Take part in a phone interview. 

Step 3: Completing a numeracy and literacy quiz – this completes ‘Stage 1’ of the process. 

Step 4: Take part in a second phone interview, answering behavioural questions. 

Step 5: Submit an online recording – answering three questions.  

Step 6: Receiving my apprenticeship offer.

What activities have you done at Taylor?
I’ve been fortunate to complete work at both Head Office and out onsite, with tasks ranging from data collection and management to reviewing Scope of Works. I continue to learn and grow as I go, and enjoy seeing the fruition of this work experience improving my studies.  

How does Taylor support your ongoing studies? 

I am surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and resources. I am supported and encouraged to constantly seek self-development – learning how to get from ‘Step A’ to ‘Step B’ in what I hope will be a successful career in this space.  

I am empowered to focus on my studies, and feel reassured that those around me truly want me to achieve my full potential. I look forward to the coming months with the Taylor team, and know that I will be better equipped for full-time work after this experience.  

Major Milestone Achieved at Matilda Nepean Private Hospital

Guests and dignitaries have gathered onsite to mark the completion of Matilda Nepean Private Hospital’s outer structure as the interior fit-out of the hospital begins.  

The Western Sydney community’s health needs are rapidly changing. In less than six months, Matilda Nepean Private Hospital will open its doors and provide the excellent standard of patient care that local residents deserve. 

This state-of-the-art $44 million hospital facility will offer world-class private health services, including ambulatory care, rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, geriatrics, palliative care and comprehensive mental health services, with 90 inpatient beds. It will also offer patients a five-star quality of care in a boutique environment; one that combines hospital services with a hotel-like experience.  

Working in partnership with our client Matilda Healthcare on this groundbreaking health sector project is incredibly rewarding for our Taylor project team.

Deejay x Dancer

Inspired by the legendary block parties of 1970s New York, acclaimed Sydney-based choreographer Nick Power will premiere Deejay x Dancer from 18 – 21 August in the Sydney Opera House’s Studio. Featuring world champion turntablist DJ Total Eclipse (AB Original, Funkoars) with 3 of Australia’s most respected Breakers, Deejay x Dancer walks the tightrope of live performance in a thrilling call and response showdown, highlighting the skill, playfulness and connection between these two traditional hip hop forms.

The Opera House’s New Work Now initiative was established in 2020 to provide meaningful support to local artists, art workers and creatives in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years on, Taylor continues to support the program as a  Production Patron – supporting the  Opera House to invest in Australian artists who create and present bold new works across genres, for diverse audiences.

Taylor is extremely proud to support the Opera House’s New Work Now initiative. This is a great example of how Taylor can contribute to the broader community by supporting Australian artists via New Work Now, we foster connection across diverse audiences and, ultimately, we’re able to contribute to the positive social impact made by our clients

This energetic night of dance is enabled by Taylor through the Opera House’s New Work Now initiative. Don’t miss out! Book a ticket to Deejay x Dancer here.

Image Credit: Daniel Boud

Team Taylor x UTS BEA Make a Move in City2Surf 2022!

Over the past 52 years, the City2Surf has transformed from a humble, local road race to the world’s largest fun run. After two years of virtual races, more than 60,000 participants from across the country and around the world congregated to take on the iconic course.

Team Taylor x UTS BEA hit the streets and ran with purpose, raising vital funds for KARI Foundation’s Sport and Healthy Lifestyle programs for Aboriginal young people. These initiatives play a vital role in the improvement of mental and physical health and wellbeing. The race kicked off at Hyde Park, with Team Taylor x UTS BEA taking on Vaucluse, conquering an uphill battle on Heartbreak Hill before winding through to the beautiful Bondi Beach.

We appreciate the support of all our fundraising champions – well done to everyone who took part on the day! We look forward to joining Team KARI again next year.

Taylor Set to Deliver WiSE Clinic Integrated Fitout

In February 2021, WiSE signed an agreement for lease at Macquarie Park’s iconic 11 Khartoum Road project. Taylor has now been engaged to deliver the integrated fitout for WiSE across the ground floor, and part of the first floor.

Staffed by a specialist team of doctors, nurses, radiographers and pathologists, WiSE’s patient-centered operating model will ensure the provision of timely access to healthcare services including:

  • Emergency Room
  • X-ray, CT and Ultrasound CBCT
  • Dental
  • In-house Pathology Lab
  • Physiotherapy
  • Specialist Rooms

A significant component of this project will be the interior fitout of WiSE’s Specialist Emergency Clinic. Works will also include mechanical, electrical and communications, hydraulics, fire protection, provision for medical gases and FF&E management and installation.

Works will commence in November this year, with the project due for completion in early 2023. Taylor looks forward to bringing this important healthcare infrastructure to life.

Giving old technology new life to shape a better tomorrow

Taylor is committed to the protection of the environment and ecologically sustainable practices in all aspects of our operations.  

Since 2020, Zolo has been entrusted by some of Australia’s biggest brands to collect and recycle old technology, wiping data securely and keeping e-waste from landfill. This innovative recycling solution gives old technology new life, creating impact through refurbishment.  

In July, the Zolo team collected 182 assets from Taylor’s Walker Street Headquarters. These items will be refurbished and introduced to the second-hand market – in turn, making technology more affordable and reducing environmental pressures. A portion of securely wiped technology will be donated to children and communities in need via WAGEC. 

This important collaboration will keep e-waste from landfill – Taylor is proud to support Zolo’s vision for change, creating a circular economy that promotes high-impact strategic climate action in Australia. 

Many thanks to Christian Neyle, Head of Information Technology, for championing this important cause. You can learn more about Taylor’s commitment to sustainability here. 

Building Brighter Futures 

Choosing a career pathway can be daunting. To support students preparing to transition from secondary to tertiary studies, Cumberland High School hosted a Careers and Employability Skills workshop – enabling students to expand their knowledge, explore STEM career pathways and connect with industry Cadets.  

Twenty Year 10 students met with Rebecca Dearing, Cadet, to hear about the professional development, support and employment opportunities gained through a Taylor Cadetship.  

Rebecca led interactive resume workshops and mock group interviews – giving students the opportunity to develop their practical skillsets. These initiatives lay the foundation for a strategic pathway to employment, by encouraging students to identify their post-school goals and aspirations.  

Lindfield Learning Village Gains Heritage Listing

Located in Sydney’s leafy Northern Suburbs, Lindfield Learning Village has been listed on the State Heritage Register. Built and refurbished for client NSW Department of Education, the revolutionary facility encompasses; 13 classrooms, workspaces, woodwork and science rooms, student assembly areas, administration offices, and an ancillary canteen and kitchen catering for students from kindergarten through to Year 12.  

Nominated for State Heritage Listing by Australian Institute of Architects for its outstanding architectural design and strong integration of the built forms with its bushland site, Lindfield Learning Village features rare and dramatic Neo-Brutalist architecture. 

Stage 1 was completed in 2019, with works including the conversion, build and refurbishment of the historic state school. Students now enjoy outdoor play areas, a 30m pool and impressive Performance Theatre Auditorium used as both an assembly area and learning space.  

“Candy Crane” assembled at North Sydney Public School

Meet “Candy Crane,” the newly installed tower crane at North Sydney Public School. The crane will be officially named as part of a ceremony with students in the coming weeks.

Engaged by School Infrastructure NSW, Taylor is currently upgrading North Sydney Public School. The overall project involves the delivery of 19 new flexible learning spaces, a new administration area, library and hall. The new upgrade will also feature a new covered outdoor learning area, renovations to the canteen, student amenities, a new entrance gate on Bay Road, out of school hours care facility, bicycle parking and end of trip facilities for staff.

Once completed, the school will seamlessly blend the mix of beautiful heritage, contemporary architecture and green outdoor spaces, as well as the capacity for an increase in student numbers from 869 to 1,012. Staff, students and the local community will benefit greatly from the upgraded learning spaces that will support the future learning needs of students.