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Lauren Sharpe never envisaged going to work in a hard hat as a construction site worker.
But, today, the Lugarno resident wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ms Sharpe has started a construction cadetship with design and building company Paynter Dixon.
“The construction industry is never where I thought I would end up, but so far I’m enjoying every aspect of it,” she said.
“I am excited to continue learning about
everything the industry has to offer.”
Ms Sharpe was a personal trainer with her own business before setting her sights on a career in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
“Growing up, I spent a lot of time helping my grandpa with his woodwork, which I loved doing,” she said.
To get a foot in the door, she took a job as a receptionist on the front desk at Paynter Dixon.
After eight months in that role, the opportunity came to apply for an internal construction cadetship.
Ms Sharpe is studying a Double Diploma of Project Management and Construction Management, which will lead her into the second year of a Bachelor of Construction Management.
“The purpose of the undergraduate program is to assist each cadet in their professional/career development and establish goals specific to each cadet as they progress throughout their studies and at Paynter Dixon,” she said.
Ms Sharpe said she thought carefully about her new career choice.
“I believe the industry is growing and will continue to grow, especially for females entering it, where I saw a gap in the market,” she said.
Her goal is to become a project manager.
At present, Ms Sharpe is gaining experience on a variety of projects, including The Albany at Crows Nest, a mixed residential and retail project, and other buildings and clubs.
The company’s current projects also include the Flame Tree development at the Thomas Holt aged care village at Kirrawee.