Considering a Civil Construction or Engineering Apprenticeship or Traineeship?

See what our Graduating Trainees and Apprentices have to say about their training pathway at Daracon, and how their supervisors have seen them develop.

LACHLAN MILLS

TRADE: Certificate III Formwork / Falsework

 RTO: City Wide Building & Training Services Pty LTD trading as CWBTS

What Sparked your interest in Civil Construction?

As a 16 year old I was unsure of the career pathway I would like to take. I was given an opportunity to see and work on some large scale projects before leaving high school. I started my apprenticeship at Daracon in early 2019 and have completed this in May. During this time I have met some great people and worked alongside great mentors on numerous large scale projects that I’m proud to be a part of. My advice for new trainees is to show good enthusiasm to work, be open to ideas and always ask questions.

As Lachlan’s Supervisor, how has he evolved as a tradesman and a member of the Daracon team?

Since the beginning Lachlan has been a very proactive and dedicated worker.  Lachy had been working with us for 12 months before starting his Formwork Falsework apprenticeship.  His growth as a young man, his maturity and work ethic have excelled over the course of his apprenticeship. This is something he should be extremely proud of. Lachlan started with the Group in 2018 and completes his work to an extremely high calibre. Lachlan is a valuable member of the crew and I can speak on behalf of his colleges when I say we are all extremely proud of him. His dedication and commitment to his work and studies is second to none and to say that he achieved all of this during a global pandemic, working full time is a credit to him.

STEPHEN PARKINSON

DIPLOMA: Civil Construction Management

 RTO: Global Training Institute

What Sparked your interest in Civil Construction?

Leaving school, I always wanted to work construction I just needed to land the apprenticeship/traineeship to start my career. Luckily, I landed a traineeship with Newcastle council which taught me all the fundamentals of Civil construction. After 8 years with council, I decided it was time to go on to bigger and better things which led me to Daracon, working at the Pacific Highway Upgrade at Lisarow. Working on a large TFNSW job has given me valuable skills and experience to furthering my construction career. A few more years have passed and again I had that feeling I was ready for my next challenge and next step in my career. I enrolled in a Diploma of Civil Construction Management and successfully completed my course. I would say some of my biggest lessons have been, to always pay attention to the fine details and also to never be afraid to ask questions.

As Stephen's Supervisor, how has he evolved as a member of the Daracon team?

Stephen’s dedication to his studies whilst continuing to work full time reflects the commitment he displays daily and is what makes him such a valued member of the Daracon team. Stephen’s attitude to continuous improvement with regards to both self-improvement via ongoing training or mentoring less experienced members of the site team is instrumental in the positive outcomes achieved on the project to date. The entire site team is proud of Stephen’s achievements.

ISAAC PENFOLD

Daracon Graduate Program

October 2021 - October 2022

What Sparked your interest in Civil Construction?

I’d say that having worked for Daracon as a labourer throughout my degree and knowing the company values and type of projects that we built is what sparked my interest to pursue a career at Daracon. I knew that there was a strong environmental culture throughout the business and I would be exposed to a wide range of projects and people that I could gain further experience from.

One lesson I have learned as an entry level position into the industry is talk to everyone on site, ask what they do in general as well as what any upcoming activities involve and why we are using the methodology that we are. Having a better understanding of why we are completing a job a certain way definitely helped me have more confidence in completing my tasks and role as a whole.

As Isaac's Supervisor, how has he evolved as a member of the Daracon team?

I’ve had the pleasure of supporting and mentoring Isaac through the Daracon Graduate Development Program working towards the role of Environmental Coordinator across a variety of projects. Isaac has become a valuable member of the team, his positive attitude and dedication to his work is a credit to him. Being the first to complete the Daracon Graduate Development Program, Isaac has gained a thorough understanding of all aspects of the Daracon Group and has been provided with a solid foundation and real world experience to launch him into the next phase of his career. Congratulations Isaac.

CASEY CAPPER

Certificate III in Civil Construction - Pipelaying

RTO: City Wide Building and Training Services

What Sparked your interest in Civil Construction?

Working with Daracon for the last 4 years began my interest in formalising my knowledge. Some of the course I had already had experience in which was good, as it made me feel more comfortable and confident for the rest of the course. Although being a civil construction course with pipe laying, a lot of the course was familiar from working in the mining sector. There were units in the course that were new to me and were very interesting. I learned a lot of new information about civil construction with units like carrying out basic levelling, identifying locating and protecting underground services, and the spreading and compacting of materials as well as the different layers in building a road.

My trainer, Ian Bowie was always helpful with any information or help that was needed throughout the course. I appreciate Daracon putting me through the course as it's always good to learn new skills and information taken in through the course may be handy in the future as well as the rewarding feeling of completing a course and receiving acknowledgement and a valuable certification.

As Casey's Supervisor, how has he evolved as a member of the Daracon team?

Since the beginning Casey has been a very proactive and dedicated worker, contributing to a variety of client projects and currently contracted to assist the Pump crew and water management team at the Mt Thorley Coal Mine. This is something he should be extremely proud of for someone of his age. Casey started with the Group in 2018 and completes his work to an extremely high calibre.

Casey has been a valuable member of the crew and I can speak on behalf of his colleges when I say we are all extremely proud of him, His dedication and commitment to his work and studies is second to none and to say that he achieved all of this during a global pandemic, working full time is a credit to him.