Assistant Project Manager
Name: Sabrina Tapson
Career stage: Still studying
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Advanced Mathematics, Standard English, PDHPE, Business Studies, Community and Family Studies and Society and Culture
Favourite: PDHPE as it was very interesting to learn how the body works especially when I love to play sport and exercise
Further study: University
where and what: University of Newcastle - Bachelor of Construction Management (currently in 4th Year)
"I would tell my high school self that working in construction is empowering, and does not mean you have to work on-site/labouring"
the inside scoop…
What does an Assistant Project Manager actually do? As an Assistant Project Manager (Client Side), our role is to help our Client, for example, School Infrastructure NSW manage and build schools effectively. As such, we are classed as the middle person between the Client and Contractor (who actually builds the buildings). We are also the middle person between the Client and the Consultants such as an Architect (who designs the buildings).
What does a day in your life at work look like? A typical day as an Assistant Project Manager revolves around organisation. We have to ensure that the project is progressing, within budget and to a high quality. Also, on a daily basis we focus on Stakeholder Management which involves making sure the Client, the end users and the community etc. are happy and satisfied with the building. Client Side Project Managers spend more time in the office than on site compared to Contractor Project Managers. However, once the project is in construction the Client Side Project Managers typically relocate to site or visit site a couple of days a week which is exciting to see the building progress.
What's the best part of your job? I love problem solving, organisation, and communicating with people which is crucial for effective Stakeholder Management. In my role, attention to detail and taking initiative are key attributes that I thoroughly enjoy.
What made you realise construction could be for you? In my final year of High School, I went on a site walk with my Mum to a newly constructed aged care facility. While walking through the facility, it was in that moment that I knew that working in an industry where you are able to contribute to the community and provide incredible finished products in the form of infrastructure was where I wanted a career.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? I would tell my high school self that working in construction is empowering and does not mean you have to work on-site/labouring. I feel like growing up I always thought the construction industry was just about getting your hands dirty, but there are so many other important roles in the industry that contribute. I feel like I would also say that the industry is perfect for my personality in terms of being organised, fast-paced and enjoying talking to people.
What's the best thing about working in construction? Being able to tell my friends and family about my work and the projects I am working on. I feel proud to work in the industry and thoroughly enjoy raising awareness about the many different opportunities the industry has to offer. Also, you will never have a day that is the same in construction, each day there is also something new and different, which keeps it interesting.
Tell us about a favourite project you're working on. I am currently working on School Infrastructure NSW projects (Hunter River High School and Irrawang High School). I love working in the education sector as I get to apply what I liked and did not like in high school and make a difference for the future learning spaces for the generations to come.
Jessie is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Jessie Webb" and we'll pass your message on.