Providing Real Life Experience to a Young, Curious Mind

Christine Kelly, a proud Kamilaroi woman, recently completed a six-month work experience program at Taylor. Christine was introduced to Taylor via the Taylor Women in Construction Partnership with the KARI Foundation. The initiative seeks to provide a platform for First Nations women to explore, engage, and excel in the construction industry.

After successfully completing four information sessions and intensive mentoring at KARI, Christine joined Taylor for three days a month over six months. Christine’s work experience program was designed to provide a well-rounded experience to enable her to gain a clear insight into different facets of a Tier 2 construction company. Christine was given the opportunity to learn about the different roles and career opportunities in design management, construction management, the fundamental processes of construction, and what life is like as a Cadet at Taylor.

Gaining first-hand experience, Christine worked across numerous Taylor sites including Sub Base Platypus Torpedo Factory Renewal, Scape Kingsford, Campbelltown Hospital, Rosebery Engine Yards, as well as in Head Office. Shadowing various members of the Taylor team, Christine was included in team and client discussions to truly understand the importance of strong communication and active listening skills. Team members also showed Christine the fundamentals of Environmentally Sustainable Design and Green Star accreditation as well as various IT software including BIM 3D Modelling and Bluebeam.

One of Christine’s favourite memories of the program was partaking in an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Messina Gelato Factory with the Rosebery Engine Yards site team. Christine stated “it was really nice seeing the team bond over ice cream and come together.” Another highlight was experiencing Taylor’s commitment to NAIDOC Week. Christine participated in a unique cultural event held at the First Building in Australia’s newest city – Bradfield City Centre. Christine met Bernadette Hardy, a proud Gamilaraay and Dharug spatial designer and cultural researcher who worked on the project, finding her experience and knowledge of Country inspiring.

Coming into the program, Christine hadn’t put much thought into the barriers females faced in a male dominated industry. Christine noted that while realising she was one of the only females on-site, it was not a major concern as the Taylor team made her feel welcome, comfortable, and safe. She was initially worried about not having the same relationships and bond that the teams had, but this diminished as everyone was very inclusive.

Christine’s advice to other women considering a work experience placement in the construction industry is to “put yourself out there, ask questions, know what you want to do as that will help you build connections and open doors.”

Following completion of her program with Taylor, Christine will begin her Certificate III in Design Fundamentals at TAFE NSW before completing a Bachelor of Interior Architecture at the University of New South Wales. We wish Christine all the best with her studies and look forward to catching up with her in the new year!