Steel cap boots and a hard hat is a far cry from her marketing background, but Gerringong local Charlotte Boreham couldn’t be happier working on the $342 million Nowra Bridge Project. 

Charlotte made a career switch to engineering construction after completing a Diploma of Construction Project Management at TAFE NSW St George. That was only the start of changes for Charlotte, who then secured a place in Fulton Hogan Construction’s Graduate Program and re-located from Sydney for the opportunity to work on the major project. 

Charlotte is fulfilling a growing need for more females in engineering construction, with female engineers making up only 13% of the workforce in 2016[1]. With engineering construction activity rising by 6.7 per cent in the year to March 2019 following an increase of 24.9 per cent in the previous year[2], there are many opportunities for more women to enter a non-traditional industry.

Charlotte’s advice for other women thinking about making a career switch is, “Give it a go, make the change, study and gain more knowledge. My Diploma of Construction Project Management taught me practical skills I could use across all industries, not just engineering. 

“I love my new career, every day is different and I am constantly learning. I feel lucky to work for a company that values diversity and supports graduates in gaining valuable experience.”

Fulton Hogan’s Graduate Leadership Program offers successful applicants the opportunity to join business streams in Construction, Infrastructure Services, Utilities and Finance.  

TAFE NSW Building & Construction Project Management Head Teacher Stanley Ivanov described Charlotte as an extremely dedicated and talented student.

“Charlotte is a great example of what how TAFE NSW students can be whatever they want by learning the skills they need to get a head start in the project management industry.

“It was an incredibly brave decision for Charlotte to give up on a well-established career in marketing, but she is a fine example that career changes are within reach if you’re willing to work hard,” Mr Ivanov said. 

With the Federal and State Governments supporting nearly 5,500 jobs across New South Wales through a joint $1 billion investment in shovel-ready infrastructure projects and road safety upgrades, there is increasing demand for skilled construction workers, from brick layers to project managers. 

TAFE NSW has a range of Building Construction courses open for semester two enrolment. Visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW Media Officer, 0408 006 866, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au.