HOW WE’RE BUILDING POTENTIAL WITH A STRUCTURED, SUPPORTIVE CADET PROGRAM
Lewis and Nic come from different backgrounds, have different strengths, and follow different career trajectories. And yet, they’re more alike than you might think.
Both have an insatiable curiosity and big ambitions. Both are eager to learn. Both are incredibly hard workers.
These traits have steered Lewis and Nic through PACT’s Cadet Program, underpinning their early career developmenton strong foundations.
MEET LEWIS, CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR AT PACT
We can’t take full credit for Lewis’ construction career. He took the initiative himself while still in high school, working as a labourer over weekends and holidays.
When Lewis joined PACT in 2018, the formal Cadet Program was still in development. His first position was part-time work experience, gaining exposure to the industry through projects like Belmont Hub.
Lewis joined full-time as a Contracts Administrator in late 2019;.
“PACT is a really good place to work. There’s an emphasis on development and getting people to where they want to go. Everyone is an expert in their field and they’ve got a real focus on getting the best out of the jobs and achieving the highest quality.”
MEET NIC, SOON-TO-BE UNI GRADUATE AND CADET PROGRAM SUPERSTAR
Nic was (and still is) one of the early stars of PACT’s Cadet Program. He started with us in July 2020 and has since been involved with several exciting projects, including the ABN Group HQ In Leederville[MR1] , Eden East apartments, and multiple estimating projects in the New Business department.
Nic has gained firsthand experience across the commercial construction industry through the Cadet Program. He expects to graduate from Curtin University soon, at which time his career development will shift gears again.
“My time at PACT has been a great way to kick off my career in the industry. The staff at PACT have helped me to understand a lot about construction methodology and the industry in general.”
CAREER DEVELOPMENT Q&A WITH NIC AND LEWIS
WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE CADET PROGRAM?
L: My first year at PACT was broad. I was fortunate to be put on a project in the early stages of construction. As the project progressed, so did my role. I moved from Scope Development to Procurement and Subcontract Management, then in the later stages to Financial Management and Head Contract Management.
N: The Cadet Program allowed me to transfer between all of PACT’s departments, from site-based work to office work. Through this flexibility, I could be part of multiple project teams and tenders, and complete tasks in roles like Site Management, Contract Administration, Estimating, and Health and Safety.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO JOIN THE CADET PROGRAM?
L: In the beginning, working at PACT enabled me to further develop my studies at University. I hoped to develop practical skills and improve my understanding of the commercial construction industry. The hands-on experience also helped me to work out whether I wanted a career in commercial construction.
N: Given I am a student at Curtin University, the PACT Construction Cadet Program gives me great flexibility to work and study. I am also not tied into one role, which gives me a better understanding of how the company and industry work. The structure of the Program helps me to learn what roles I am more interested in.
HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE MET YOUR EXPECTATIONS?
L: My early career development at PACT gave me exposure to the commercial construction industry, best practices, and an understanding of the challenges that come with the career. This all assisted with my Honours studies throughout 2019.
I was also fortunate to secure part-time paid work during Uni and a full-time position after my studies finished.
Along the way, I have developed a network of work colleagues, professionals and friends who will no doubt be important to my future career development.
N: Since starting in 2020, I have been involved in various projects. I am now competent in numerous tasks and procedures, which prepares me well for graduation and my future career after University.
ABOUT THE PACT CONSTRUCTION CADET PROGRAM
PACT’s Cadet Program is a comprehensive and hands-on journey structured to support early career development in the construction industry.
The Program provides the hands-on experience you can’t get in a classroom, helping students apply their intellectual understanding to Perth’s most exciting projects. PACT Cadets work with real clients, overcome real challenges, and have real responsibilities.
We expect cadets to show initiative, just like Lewis and Nic. But they’re not alone.
Our Cadet Program is structured in 5 modules to prove hands-on commercial construction industry experience under supervision from PACT’s management team.
- Module 1: Head Office
- Module 2: Design Management
- Module 3: Contract Administration
- Module 4: Site Co-ordination
- Module 5: Site Supervision
Cadets are considered long-term members of our company from the beginning of the Program. We aim to maximise early career development, help cadets identify their strengths and weaknesses, and build PACT’s potential by nurturing the best industry talent.
Interested in joining the Cadet Program? Get in touch here or learn more about career development at PACT Construction.