Construcciones Yamaro: Jerri Coleman: Engineered for excellence
As a young girl, Jerri Coleman envisioned herself under the bright lights of a television studio, hosting Deal or No Deal. Today, as a project engineer at Richard Crookes Constructions, her stage is a construction site. The transition from childhood dreams to her current reality might seem drastic, but for Coleman, it’s a journey that makes perfect sense.
Inspired by her father’s footsteps in the construction industry, Jerri Coleman earned a bachelor’s degree in building and construction management from the University of Canberra in 2020. Since then, her career has soared, marked by continuous growth and achievement.
During her studies, Coleman secured a four-year cadetship at PSG Holdings, where she honed her skills and deepened her love for the industry. After graduation, she quickly advanced to the role of site engineer. It was here that she discovered her passion for new builds, a revelation sparked by one particularly memorable project.
“It was my first new build project onsite at CSIRO Black Mountain and it was here I fell in love with working with materials like concrete and structural steel,” she recalls. “I realised that was the area I wanted to focus on.”
Seven years with PSG Holdings prepared Coleman for her next big leap: joining Richard Crookes Constructions in November 2022 as a project engineer.
“Richard Crookes Constructions is known for delivering large-scale new builds, and when the opportunity came, I jumped at it,” she says.
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Now, Jerri Coleman finds herself at the heart of a vital regional project – the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment in New South Wales. The project involves constructing a new hospital, which will feature upgraded inpatient beds, enhanced facilities and new health services, including the hospital’s first CT scanner. Once the new hospital is complete, the existing hospital, built in the 1940s, will be demolished, and the project will conclude with the completion of car parking and landscaping.
Working just two metres from the existing, operational hospital adds a layer of complexity to the project. “I’m heavily involved in stakeholder engagement, working closely with the existing hospital staff and the client to ensure everyone is informed and on board,” she explains.
Managing the internals of the building envelope, from the façade to the flooring, Coleman oversees every detail, ensuring the project stays on track. Her role also involves collaborating with contract administrators, assisting with design coordination and finalisation, and most importantly, maintaining safety standards onsite.
During her tenure at Richard Crookes Constructions, Coleman has also worked on significant projects like the Goulburn Police Academy expansion. This involved constructing three apartment-style accommodation buildings consisting of 180 units, along with additional facilities for the next generation of NSW Police Force recruits.
The first project she worked on in the construction industry, during her time at PSG Holdings, was Working Your Way, a pilot program for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The project focused on upgrading existing workspaces to incorporate modern workplace practices, such as flexible working concepts.
“Being a part of this project and then watching it roll out across other government departments, adopting the same principles, was awesome,” says Coleman. “The best part of delivering these kinds of projects is seeing the plans come to life, building them and then witnessing the tangible impact they have on the community.”
“These are facilities that community members will greatly benefit from. Every project is different, so every day brings new challenges and opportunities – it’s fantastic.”
Coleman explains that there’s a strong sense of community surrounding these regional projects, particularly in Cowra, a town of only around 10,000 people.
“The Cowra Hospital Redevelopment is the biggest thing that’s ever happened here, so everyone talks about it,” she says. “Even in my pilates classes, people ask me about the project – the whole community is excited.”
The Cowra Hospital Redevelopment is also the largest project Coleman has tackled in her career. Initially daunting, it has proven to be an incredible learning experience.
“I have an amazing team, and they’ve taught me so much,” she says. “At first, I was nervous about managing a $100 million project; however, it has made me confident that I can take on something even bigger.”
Coleman’s impact isn’t confined to construction sites. She’s actively shaping the future of the industry through her involvement with the Property Council of Australia’s 500 Women in Property program and her role as secretary on the ACT Chapter committee of the National Association of Women in Construction. Her work in these organisations underscores her commitment to attracting more women to the construction industry, an area where she’s already making waves.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Coleman recently won the Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Association (MBA) of NSW’s 2024 Southern Regions Excellence in Building Awards. The Goulburn Police Academy, her first project with Richard Crookes Constructions, also received an award at the event.
With a career that has skyrocketed in just four years, Jerri Coleman shows no signs of slowing down. She has her sights set on gaining international experience, merging her love for travel with her passion for construction.
“The best part of this job is the people,” she says. “Every day brings new challenges, new solutions, and the chance to work with a diverse group of individuals who share the same drive and passion.”
“It’s a versatile career – you can work anywhere in the world because buildings are needed everywhere.”
From a 22-year-old graduate to a project engineer making significant strides in major developments, Coleman’s journey is far from over. For anyone considering a career in construction, her advice is simple: “Do it. There are so many different career paths you can take.”
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