Within two years of graduating from RMIT University in Melbourne with an engineering degree, Bec Neeson had helped upgrade a 100 km gas pipeline, constructed marine fenders to protect shipping, and contributed to the installation of 64,000 m2 of concrete at an airport.
This breadth of experience came through her participation in the McConnell Dowell Graduate Program, a two-year journey for highly skilled engineers keen to pursue a career in construction.
“Our program is a strong introduction to construction projects that require creative responses, something not every contractor can offer,” said Michael Caswell, the company’s General Manager of Human Resources.
“You’ll rotate through teams operating in a wide variety of construction sectors and be paired with experienced and supportive supervisors for each one. We have a flat structure, and our managers’ doors are always open, so participants interact with senior engineers and learn so much in a short space of time.”
A variety of experiences
The benefits are evident in Neeson’s range of experiences.
Her first assignment on the program was a scheme to increase the capacity of the Victorian Northern Interconnect Expansion (VNIE), a major gas pipeline across rural Victoria. The months-long project involved nearly 300 people completing 2.5 km a day – a rate well above the industry average.
“I loved being on the ground, solving practical problems and getting great exposure to the industry and its safety principles,” Neeson told create.
After a few months, Neeson was posted to the Port of Melbourne, one of Australia’s busiest maritime sites, to help engineers use a network of steel frames to protect the docks while new fenders were installed.
“It was a fascinating project that involved a good deal of challenges across both design and approach,” she recalled. “What was really remarkable was finding a way to assemble the structure over the water that made it safer for the workforce. I also learned a lot about how to balance requirements against cost and time factors.”
Next, Neeson was sent to Melbourne Airport to join the Papa Uniform Golf (PUG) slab replacement, a three-year initiative to install 64,000 m2 of high-performance Portland cement concrete pavements, and to remove an unstable and deteriorating surface that was becoming a potential safety risk to aircraft using it to taxi.
It was the first time that rapid-set cement concrete had been used on such a scale in Australia and won the Australian Airport Association’s Corporate Project of the Year award.
“It was extremely beneficial for me as I gained an understanding of large-scale concrete pours and fibreglass-reinforced plastic drainage systems. It certainly kept me on my toes as I had to manage the pours and organise the removal of the existing pavement.
“When working near a live runway, you need to be incredibly conscious of safety. I really enjoyed being out in the field, supervising subcontractors and making sure we met every program milestone.”
Still soaring
After completing the graduate program, Neeson’s career has thrived ever since, something she puts down to the range of activities during those first two years.
And if anything, the scope of her subsequent work has broadened further.
First up was a major wharf redevelopment in Melbourne, where she was responsible for managing the road connection.
“It was a significant milestone for me, as I was managing the project scope and gained a solid grasp of sub-contractor management, forecasting and programming.”
The following year, she was tasked with removing level crossings at Kororoit Creek Road in Williamstown North and Aviation Road in Laverton, working from tender right through to delivery.
After maritime, aviation and rail duties, her next year-long assignment was the Mordialloc Freeway, a nine-km build that included a multi-lane highway, six road bridges, access ramps and eight km of cycle and walking paths.
“It was a huge and complex project that really ramped up my technical skills, especially in the formation of delivery methodologies. I also developed an appreciation of how to coordinate with stakeholders and maintain a strong client relationship.”
A pathway to success
Since 2022, Neeson has been busy delivering a five-km upgrade of the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road in Pakenham. She joined the tender as Construction Manager before a promotion to Project Manager.
Her journey has made her a vocal advocate for engineering graduate programs in construction.
“The McConnell Dowell Graduate Program really set me up for success by giving me a broad understanding of how projects operate. It’s well structured, with a strong focus on practical learning and ongoing one-on-one access to highly experienced mentors that guide you every step of the way.”
Caswell has seen countless other graduates like Neeson go on to have fulfilling careers.
“Our program is designed to nurture growth and offer unbeatable learning experiences,” he said. “Just like Bec, you’ll be immersed in a number of construction disciplines and get on-the-job advice from industry experts.”
Applications for McConnell Dowell’s 2025 Graduate Program close on 29 March 2024. Click for more information.