Building a successful career

Unitec graduate James Reed is a Structures Manager at Dominion Constructors. He completed a Bachelor of Construction at Unitec in 2015, while already working with Dominion Constructors, fitting study around a full-time role.

“I started with Dominion Constructors in 2006 and began studying at Unitec the following year. Over the next eight years I achieved a Diploma and then a Bachelor in Construction while working full time. It was tough to find the balance between student and work life, but it was absolutely worth it. I had the best of both worlds: on-site knowledge and book knowledge and my qualifications allowed me to progress more easily in my career.”

James says the hands-on learning environment at Unitec fitted well with someone already working in the industry.

“Unitec’s learning environment is really inclusive. And though I was never the top student in the class, after my first year it became apparent how I could apply my learnings to real world situations.”

James moved through the ranks at work taking on supervision and project management roles across a wide range of construction projects.

“When I was a Project Manager, I managed the B183 extension at Unitec, which went on to win a NZIOB Award. The job took place during my last year of study, so I’d be working on-site and popping out to attend classes!”

In 2016 James became Dominion’s youngest Senior Project Manager. It was in this role that he took on one of his most challenging projects which saw him take away a coveted award at the 2020 NZIOB Awards, as well as the Supreme Award of the night. James also sits on Unitec’s Advisory Panel and looks after Dominion’s cadetship and apprenticeship programmes, something that sees him working closely with Unitec.

“Through our Cadetship Programme, we take on students from Unitec and other tertiary institutions and train them up - including seeing them through the Unitec Bachelor of Construction.”

“Our Apprenticeship Scheme offers concrete and carpentry apprenticeships, providing career pathways. My biggest piece of advice for students would be to grab an apprenticeship or cadetship opportunity with both hands and stick to it! It’s so important to hang in there, it’s really going to benefit your career.”

James says many students tell him it’s too difficult to study while working, but he is living proof that it’s possible. “Progressing in your career does mean working hard, but it’s worth it.”