What's your job about?
As a Cadet Estimator at Kane Constructions I work alongside a Senior Estimator assisting in the submission of tenders. Cadets are the first person to get their hands on the tender documentation and it is an important role within our tendering process. It is our duty to first receive the docs, determine the tender trade breakdown and to package up relevant tender documentation for the various trades. Our main function is obtaining quotes from subcontractors in order to ensure our estimate is as accurate as possible. In obtaining quotes some of our duties include but are not limited to liaising with subcontractors and suppliers, document control for original tender documents and tender addendums, RFI’s and measuring. Starting out in the estimating department has provided me with a greater understanding of Kane’s organisational structure and culture. I have also developed a good rapport with some of our valued subcontractors which I intend to carry though to my time out on site.
What's your background?
I grew up in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne and knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career within the construction industry. To be able to contribute to our built environment is a great opportunity and one of the many rewards our industry has to offer. Some of the most important stages in my life were graduating from high school and really getting a feel for what the real world was like. I commenced gaining my experience within the construction industry during my second year of studies working for a small local domestic builder. This was an interesting introduction into the industry from which I learned many things about what it takes to run a construction company and the many challenges which one may face. A year on I was fortunate enough to get offered a cadetship with Kane Constructions which I grasped with both hands and have never looked back. Working in the industry whilst studying has also given myself additional motivation to finish my studies and properly commence my career because topics covered during class seem more relevant and more often than not I find my job helping me with my assignments than class helping me with my job.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
I think that someone with a different background could ultimately do my job. It would be difficult first starting out, however, it does come down to their willingness to learn, their attitude towards work and if they have the ability to grasp new ideas and adopt the company culture. The benefit of conducting a form of tertiary education related to my job is that you have a greater and broader understanding of the industry and the processes involved with a project beginning in its conceptual phase and all the steps involved until project completion/handover. You will also obtain some knowledge on basic construction techniques etc.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
Coolest thing about my job is the opportunities that I have been given. Whether it be representing the company at a tender briefing, taking charge of my own tender, or even attending tender interviews/meetings for jobs we are trying to win, I can say that I have never felt as if I have been pigeon-holed to a particular task which makes my job interesting and unpredictable and I have enjoyed my time so far in estimating.
What are the limitations of your job?
Limitations of my job are that tenders usually run on tight timeframes and sometimes unrealistic timeframes. During busy periods it really is all hands on deck! This can result in late nights and early starts to ensure that the tender is right!
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