Sights set on success

Brittini McLauchlan is pursuing her dream job as a surveyor

By Emma Chadwick (Townville Bulletin)

WHEN Townsville teenager Brittini McLauchlan became a finalist in the Construction Skills Queensland Excellence Awards last year, she never imagined she would find herself in the media spotlight and land her dream job.

Brittini, 18, was a finalist in the Sarina Russo Construction School Student of the Year Awards category for her commitment to training and experience gained through Construction Skills Queensland's Doorways 2 Construction initiative.

The Townsville Bulletin interviewed Brittini about being a finalist in the awards and her career goals.

During the interview, the Kirwan State High School Year 12 graduate, mentioned her interest in studying building design.

"The interview was really exciting and I was also really looking forward to going to the award ceremony, whether I won or not, to meet other people in the industry and experience the whole event," she said.

"In the interview I said that I was very interested in a career in architecture and that I had wanted to get into the building and construction industry since Year 8. It was not long after the article was published that I had a call from National Building Certifiers offering me a cadetship as a building surveyor.

"National Building Certifiers director Jeff Ashby had read the article and wanted to give me an opportunity and I am very grateful for that.

"I started working with National Building Certifiers in January this year and I have also begun studying for my bachelors degree in Building Surveying.

"I have gained so much experience already, going to many inspections, studying plans and completing paperwork.

"I would like to thank Constructions Skills Queensland for helping me to get ahead in my career," she said.

Mr Ashby said he was very pleased with Brittini's progress.

"We had been looking for a cadet for some time," Mr Ashby said. "We saw the article on Brittini being a finalist in the Excellence Awards and we considered she had the qualities we required. Brittini handles herself well on site and is very diligent."

During her time in the Doorways 2 Construction program, Construction Skills Queensland also helped Brittini find work experience with a local architecture firm, which she would have found difficult to do alone due to the lack of placements available.

Construction Skills Queensland CEO Brett Schimming praised Brittini's enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

"CSQ is pleased that someone who works so hard and is committed to a career in the building construction industry is well on their way to long-term success," Mr Schimming said.