How Built’s cadet and graduate program is developing Queensland’s future industry leaders

At Built, investing in the next generation is a key focus through its cadet and graduate development program, which provides university students and graduates with hands-on experience on live projects while exposing them to every stage of project delivery.

From design and contract administration through to site operations, safety and project management, participants gain practical experience while developing the skills needed to build long-term careers in the industry.

The program combines structured competency development, ongoing training and professional development opportunities, including workshops with senior leaders and peers from across Built’s national business.

For Queensland cadet Toby Anderson, the opportunity to experience the full lifecycle of a project has been one of the most valuable aspects of the program.

Currently completing the final year of his Bachelor of Urban Development (Construction Management) degree at QUT, Toby has spent almost two years working on Built’s University of Queensland student accommodation project, a major development comprising three buildings and approximately 1,020 student rooms.

“Built puts you on a job and you get to see the full life cycle,” Toby said. “They take you through the whole process.”

Rather than being confined to a single discipline, cadets are encouraged to explore different aspects of project delivery and discover where their strengths and interests lie.

For Toby, that exposure has reinforced his decision to pursue a career in construction. “I really get the feeling that they want me to succeed,” he said.

As Built’s project pipeline in Queensland continues to expand, Toby believes young people entering the industry today will be presented with opportunities rarely seen before.

“This sort of pipeline of work is once in a lifetime in Brisbane. It’s the kind of work that you dream of doing when you first go into uni.”

Fellow graduate Harry Taylor shares a similar positive outlook. After initially studying International Business before discovering a passion for construction management, Harry joined Built almost a year ago and is participating in the graduate development program while also working on the University of Queensland student accommodation project.

Harry says one of the biggest attractions of construction is the variety it offers. “I like the aspect of not being stuck in the office all day,” he said. “Every day is different.”
Like many young professionals entering the sector, Harry sees enormous potential in Queensland’s future construction pipeline and the opportunities it creates for career development.

“You work with some great people – there are projects coming up everywhere so it’s a pretty special spot to be in.”

Beyond career progression, both Toby and Harry are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to projects that leave a lasting impact on communities.

For Toby, that means contributing to projects that will be used and enjoyed for decades to come. “Being able to say you were a part of that – you built that,” he said.

Harry agrees. “You can step back and be proud of what you’ve produced,” he said. “You look at a project and think about the people you worked with, and the memories attached to that.”

As Queensland continues to grow, Built’s cadet and graduate program is helping ensure the industry has the skilled people needed to deliver the projects, infrastructure and communities of the future.