Senior Project Coordinator
Name: Lara Kaehne
Career stage: Early career - less than 5 years' experience
Working: Remote working
High School Subjects: English, Math, Wood Tech, Health and Human Development and Physical Education
Favourite: Wood Tech - I was good at it and it was engaging
Further study: University
where and what: Deakin University - Architecture and Construction Management
"As the builder you get to be part of such a wide scope and really see how one thing effects another"
the inside scoop…
What does a Senior Project Coordinator actually do? I run a small construction project in Darwin for Kapitol Group. My job is to manage the project from programme, logistics, my project team, budgets, trades etc, I still do a fair bit of coordination but developing into a project management role which is more oversight of the entire project rather than a smaller section of the project.
What does a day in your life at work look like? Start with a coffee, then typically will start on the computer checking emails, reviewing number of trades/personnel on site. I will typically have 2-3 meetings a day (this could be client, design, project management, internal team catch up, commercial and logistic meetings etc).
Schedule - Review works for the following day / week with site manager and trade team, and this gets followed up with phone calls/meetings with trades etc.
Another coffee
Site inspections with engineers/architect/safety team
Quality audits - checking works on site are aligned with our quality checklists (known as Inspection Test Plans).
What's the best part of your job? I get to be a part of the project from start to finish and make decisions that will influence design, programme, budgets etc. As the builder you get to be part of such a wide scope and really see how one thing effects another, I also get to mentor graduates and supervisors which is really rewarding.
What made you realise construction could be for you? Options are broad, from onsite works to being in the office doing coordination and talking to clients/trades/design partners - everyday is different. I wanted to be a tradesperson but found my skillset would be better suited to that of a builder where I can be creative and technical over more than one trade. The trade side of it is now my hobby and makes me enjoy what I do at work. I'm the first in my family to enter the construction field. Winning the year 12 wood tech excellence award was my 'ah ha' moment, where of a class of all males (me being the only female) I realised that I can do what I do and deserve a shot in the construction industry.
What's something that surprised you about working in construction? The wide opportunities that are available - you can be on site, in the office, choose flexible hours, you can work remotely if required. The opportunities are endless.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? Don't think twice about it, you'll thank yourself in the years to come. (The pay is good too!)
What do your friends and family think about working in construction? My mum is my number one supporter, my dad on the other hand struggles to accept that im successful in the construction industry. I have to educate him all the time on the progression of the industry.
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