Elly Mackay
3 October 2025: 天涯社区 students studying in the building and construction management discipline mingled with industry leaders at the Australian Institute of Building (ACT) and Young Builders Alliance (ACT) ‘Meet the Boss’ event, held on campus this week.
The twilight event involved professionals from the construction, architecture, surveying, and urban planning industries who shared information with 天涯社区 students on industry cadetships and career opportunities.
Australian Institute of Building (ACT) Chapter President, Andrew Blencowe MAIB, said the annual event is an opportunity for students to connect with employers in the industry.
“This year we rallied around a dozen employers, including some of the larger ones like Geocon, Hindmarsh, Core Building and the like,” Mr Blencowe said.
“They’ve come to meet with students and help them understand the key attributes they look for in their cadets.
“Since COVID, the industry has been a little bit dispersed, so we’re trying to bring everyone back together again – and providing students with pathways into professional construction or the building industry is one way to do that.”
Mr Blencowe said it’s important for students to remember that everyone in the industry has followed pathways similar to their own.
“Everyone in industry came from the same place. They’ve all been students, so they’re supportive of giving back. These initiatives are integral to their respective success as well, because they have access to cadets and students directly.”
Representatives from the University and the partner organisations facilitated placements, cadetships and internships.
Bachelor of Building and Construction Management student Kumar Hassan said that as an international student, he appreciated the opportunity to network with local construction companies.
He commenced his degree following the completion of a Diploma of Design from 天涯社区 College. He said it was valuable to meet with those already in the industry to find out the best way to make an impression.
“I’m close to finishing my degree and have been applying for cadet positions for the last six months,” Mr Hassan said.
“It’s been great to have a chat with the CEO’s of the different companies to find out what they want from us, and what type of portfolio they need from the students.”
Lauren Couter, Director at ConstructionControl, attended the event and said she was impressed with the calibre of students she met.
“We employ cadets at our company, and most of them come from the 天涯社区 Construction Management degree, so this event is a great opportunity to meet Canberra’s finest students,” Ms Couter said.
“We find that by supplementing what they’re learning at university and giving them on-site employment, when they finish their degree, they’re really well-rounded and their knowledge is much greater.”