Construcciones Yamaro: TAFE NSW propels career switch from retail to construction
TAFE NSW has helped a former Central Coast furniture salesman make an unlikely career switch, trading couches for construction as he now helps manage “mega-highways” and major infrastructure projects.
Jaydon Brown, 23, was unsure of his career path after school and spent several years selling furniture at stores across the Central Coast. Keen to find an in-demand and rewarding career, he completed short courses in project management and sustainability at the TAFE NSW Institute of Applied Technology – Construction (IATC) in 2024.
Four months ago, Brown secured a traineeship with global design, engineering and consultancy firm Arcadis. He now works as a junior project manager while undertaking a Diploma of Project Management through IATC.
“Being a project manager is a dream job because the work is varied and interesting, and there’s a lot of room for promotion and growth,” said Brown. “Working at Arcadis, I’m helping manage pieces of public infrastructure that will help the community for generations, so it’s very rewarding.”
Brown’s role involves supporting the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects, contributing to planning, team coordination, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, communication and reporting. He attends TAFE NSW Ultimo once a week for hands-on training and completes most assessments online at times that suit his work schedule.
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“My IATC teachers all have real-world experience as project managers and they’re so good at breaking concepts down into a language I can understand,” said Brown. “The subject matter is tailored to what happens in my workplace; I can even use what I do on site in my assessments.”
TAFE NSW IATC project management teacher Mina Salimi, who has more than 30 years of industry experience, said project management is fast becoming one of Australia’s most versatile and in-demand careers.
“We’re seeing strong demand for project managers across construction, healthcare, education, IT, infrastructure and more,” said Salimi. “Jaydon’s story is a perfect example of how project management can open doors to long-term, rewarding careers – no matter your background. Project management is a skillset that transfers across industries and across the world.”
Salimi said TAFE NSW’s focus on practical, workplace-relevant training gives students a competitive edge.
“We don’t just teach theory – we equip students with the hands-on skills they need to step straight into the workplace,” she said.
Michael Downing, business leader for project and program management at Arcadis, said the traineeship is helping bridge the gap between learning and delivery.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer Jaydon this traineeship to enable him to develop his skills and knowledge in the project management sector,” said Downing. “His experience on site has been instrumental in linking his TAFE NSW studies with his work-integrated learning.”
IATC also offers a range of flexible, “bite-sized” qualifications to help existing construction professionals upskill. Courses are delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, Western Sydney University and CPB Contractors, allowing the institute to stay closely aligned with industry needs.
Based in Kingswood, with many programs delivered virtually, IATC focuses on project management, leadership and digital construction skills – opening doors for people like Brown to build long-term careers in construction.
The post TAFE NSW propels career switch from retail to construction appeared first on Inside Construction.
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