Training Development

Outstanding achievements within the civil construction industry

Z People Award – Training Development

Z People Awards Training Development Category RUNNER UP

James Dawson

Cadet quantity surveyor, Johnstone Construction

James started his professional career as a recruiter for the construction industry, working for five years for Hays Recruitment.

While this developed his network of contacts and business acumen, James eventually decided that he preferred a seat closer to the action.

“So, in March 2016 I enrolled in the Bachelor of Construction, majoring in Quantity Surveying at Massey University.

“Fortuitously, two weeks after enrolling I received a phone call from Hugh Johnstone, a former client and managing director of Johnstone Construction, looking for a quantity surveyor.

“Needless to say the rest is history!

“I jumped at the opportunity and am loving the career shift. While it’s been a steep learning curve, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a great team, in an awesome work environment.”

James’ qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce (University of Concordia, Nebraska); Site Safe Passport #265091; and he has enrolled in Bachelor of Construction (Massey University, Albany).

Z People Awards Training Development Category WINNER

Liam Woodmass

Renewals engineer, Waikato District Alliance, Downer NZ

Liam began working for Downer in 2010 as a labourer in the Hamilton asphalt crew over the Christmas break during his music studies.

Within a week, he was placed in the asphalt paving crew as the paving machine operator under direct supervision of the foreman and stayed in this role for the next two years after deciding to no longer pursue music as a career.

“In that time I gained my wheels, tracks and rollers endorsements, a class 2 licence, received first aid and basic bitumen safety training and completed the National Certificate in Paving (Application) all while gaining practical skills. I then moved into a quality assurance role where I further developed my knowledge of asphalt surfacing.

“In 2013 I joined the Downer Cadet Programme and spent the next four years rotating through various departments while studying part time.

“In January this year, I was awarded the renewals engineer position within the Waikato District Alliance.”

Being part of the Downer Cadet Programme, the early stages of Liam’s training were planned as all cadets are enrolled in the National Diploma in Engineering (Civil), partake in rotations spanning four years through various Downer departments and are assigned a mentor.

“Towards the end of my cadetship, I was given the opportunity to select rotations which aligned with my study content and which also gave me the necessary skills to apply for the role I desired.”