Building Cadet - Site Engineer
Name: Madison Barrie
Career stage: Still studying!
Working: On site
High School Subjects: Advanced Mathematics, Advanced English, Business Studies, Biology, Geography, Studies of Religion (1 unit)
Favourite: I would have to say that Business Studies and Geography were my favourite subject, because they gave me a glimpse of the challenges we, as students would come to face once we graduated high school. Everything we studied was related to 'the real world' and was applicable to life when I finished school.
Further study: University
where and what: Bachelor of Construction Project Management, UTS (in progress)
“We are like one big family who all work together to make it over the finish line."
the inside scoop…
What does a Building Cadet - Site Engineer actually do? My role is to ensure that what consultants (such as architects and engineers) design, subcontractors (such as electricians and plumbers) can build. This means acting as an intermediary party, ensuring subcontractors follow the plans and drawings that the consultants design. Part of my role is ensuring that this is done in the most practical and safe way possible, whilst finding a happy medium between time, cost and quality to ensure a successful project is completed for the client.
What does a day in your life at work look like? Typically, I spend about half my day in the site office, and half my day actually on site with subcontractors. While I'm on site, I will often have subcontractors ask me questions about certain drawings or plans that they don't understand or that haven't been documented clearly. While I'm on site, I will also ensure that the work they are undertaking is what is documented by the consultant, and to the quality that is expected (no cutting corners). Typically, I will go back to the office and liaise with the consultants about questions that were asked on site. I also spend time ensuring that consultants don't design anything too extravagant, that may be too expensive or time consuming for the clients budget. During the week I will also attend meetings with subcontractors, consultants, and the client. All of which are typically based around program, i.e. are we constructing this project in the best possible sequence that will allow us to finish the job in the timeframe we are given. Another large part of my job is reading drawings so that the team are prepared for the works that lie ahead, and so that we can fix any problems before they arise on site.
What's the best part of your job? My favourite parts about my job are working as a team with one common goal. We are like one big family who all work together to make it over the finish line. There is always someone to learn from, and always someone learning from you, everyone looks after each other. I also like the fact that no two days are alike, I am always faced with new challenges and learning new things and get to meet new people everyday.
What made you realise construction could be for you? Choosing to pursue a career in construction was never a straightforward decision for me. I knew I wanted to do something in the built environment. I was always very nosey when it came to nearby developments or renovations, was always scrolling through real estate websites, and designing my 'perfect home'. The next step, choosing which pathway in the built environment, was a process of elimination. Although I loved the idea of architecture and interior design, I knew I wasn't creative, or patient enough for a career in either role. My next interest was being a real estate agent, however, this was followed closely by a motivation to continue studying. I figured that I can get my real estate license at any point in my life and wanted to have a crack at uni while I still had the motivation and support from family. The only two degrees I could find to do with construction/built environment were the Bachelor or Property Economics, or Bachelor of Construction Management. I loved working in a team, and was fascinated by the idea of management and mentorship. With that in mind, I chose to enrol in the Bachelor Construction Project Management at UTS.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Pick whatever you want to do, whatever you enjoy doing. Find your strengths and use them. If you like interacting with people, and working in a team, chose something that will allow you to do that everyday. If you enjoy mentoring or leading people, choose a career path that enables you to go into positions of management and leadership. If you like being active, don't choose a job that will leave you desk-bound everyday. There is no point choosing a career for the money or title if you aren't going to enjoy it day-to-day. Life's too short! For me, picking a career was a process of elimination. I chose an industry that I was interested in, and narrowed it down from there based on my personal strengths.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? It's not easy, you must be resilient, you must be ready to face challenges, you learn something new everyday, you get to work with people who will become your best friends, and there are so many opportunities for growth. There's no denying that working in construction, especially as a female is a more difficult career path compared to other industries. The hours can be long, the company can be tough, and you are constantly faced with new challenges that must be overcome. Having said that, I have come to realise how fortunate I am to work in an industry that's so rewarding. I genuinely get to work with an incredible group of likeminded people, and we get to construct buildings for local communities, which is really rewarding.
What's something that surprised you about working in construction? I was really surprised by how supportive everyone is. It took some time to get comfortable in my role and have confidence in myself around a group of very confident and outgoing people, but I came to realise how willing everyone was to help. There is always somebody wanting to lend a helping hand and ensure I'm always learning. We all work together to achieve a common goal and have a good time doing it and everyone really looks outs for each other in the process.
Madison is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Madison Barrie engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
