Building Cadet
Name: Sophie Sidgreaves
Career stage: Still studying!
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Advanced English, Standard Mathematics, Legal Studies, PDHPE & Studies of Religion II
Favourite: My favourite subject was PDHPE as I found the content enjoyable and relatable to my everyday life playing sport throughout high school. Enjoying the subjects you choose makes learning the content easier, and PDHPE ended up being my strongest subject!
Further study: University
where and what: In progress - Bachelor of Construction Project Management at UTS
"The best part about being a Building Cadet is having the opportunity to learn everyday! I love being part of a really supportive team, working towards a common goal."
the inside scoop…
What does a Building Cadet actually do? Everything! My days are always exciting and filled with different tasks everyday. As a cadet, you are constantly learning and being exposed to as many new experiences as possible. This can be from being in the site office assisting with managing contracts and costing, to being out of site with your high-vis and boots communicating with trades to help oversee and quality check the actual construction! There are many pathways in the industry so as a cadet your experiences can help you navigate which pathway you want to take, whether it be more site based or office based.
What does a day in your life at work look like? A typical day for me depending what I am working on can be mostly site based or mostly office based. If I am assisting in managing contracts, this can look like having tender meetings with potential subcontractors or it could be comparing quotes or ordering materials. Other days, it’s all hard hats and work boots! This looks like quality checking the build and ensuring what is on the drawings is actually being built! This includes a lot of cross checking and problem solving. You are always working alongside your team and supporting one another.
What's the best part of your job? The best part about being a Building Cadet is having the opportunity to learn everyday! I love being part of a really supportive team, working towards a common goal. Being a building cadet allows you to have practical experience of a range of different tasks which is a great basis to understand the different pathways within the industry. I also love learning from all the subcontractors we have on our projects!
What made you realise construction could be for you? I was first interested in Architecture before I really discovered what Construction Management was really about. I signed up for a Women in STEM program at my school and was lucky enough to take part in a site walk on a live project. I remember coming home from school that afternoon so inspired and from that moment on, I was sold! Being able to oversee the construction process from start to finish and having the opportunity to be involved in all stages from design, construction and completion really excited me. The teamwork aspect when delivering projects was also very important to me.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? I would say to go for it! It’s a fun, fast-paced and exciting industry. Working with a team is so enjoyable and there is so many pathways within your career.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Definitely just do what you love and are passionate about and the rest will fall into place. You are more eager to learn and grow in a career you are genuinely interested in.
Who has inspired you in your career? My auntie has run a construction company for many years, before it was common for women to be apart of the industry. Because of this, women in this industry never seemed unusual to me and I never second guessed being apart of it. There has also been many mentors and supportive people since working at Richard Crookes Constructions whose work ethic, and passion for building has really inspired me. I will be forever grateful for their support and encouragement during this initial part of my journey.
Sophie 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: "Sophie Sidgreaves engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
