What an epic 7-days at The Construction Training Centre as our 2021 all-female cohort tackled the Seymour Whyte Story Bridge Build.
Part of what we try to do at Constructionarium Australia is provide a real-world construction experience where, despite everyone’s best efforts on a project, sometimes external forces cause a major change of plans. That was certainly the case on this build, as our cohort felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as Brisbane was placed into lockdown.
Lockdown meant a rapid reassessment of the program, significant schedule changes, new processes and procedures to be implemented and a good deal of uncertainty to challenge our team. And that is where their adaptability, collaborative nature, commitment to each other and determination to succeed kicked in.
What could have thrown the team and their project into chaos did the opposite, galvanising the cohort into an unbreakable team for whom no challenge was too big. And so, on Thursday, a full day earlier than planned, they completed their build ahead of schedule, under budget and to the exceptionally high standards of quality and safety that Constructionarium Australia and lead contractor Seymour Whyte expect and demand.
At the same time, the industry mobilised to support the program and to ensure that we were able to deliver a learning and development experience uncompromised by VOCID restrictions. Our presenters shared their knowledge and insights via Zoom. Our suppliers moved quickly to support revised schedules, and our partners and supporters ensured that whatever was required was delivered.
If anything, the 2021 Seymour Whyte Story Bridge Build encapsulated everything positive about construction and infrastructure in Queensland. From our committed, intelligent and thoughtful cohort to the industry’s unwavering support and adaptability, this build proved that when collaboration and determination are harnessed, anything and everything is possible.
Congratulations to our awesome cohort. Thank you to our industry supporters and partners.
