Building futures: Kayla's construction journey at CIT Woden

Published: 17 Feb 2025

Discovering a passion for construction

Kayla’s journey into construction began at a young age, driven by her passion for building things. Growing up, she spent countless hours helping with home projects, sparking a her curiosity about the industry. As she explored further, she found construction offered a unique set of skills and opportunities, prompting her to pursue it further.

"Building things interests me because there’s not much else like it," she explains. "I wanted to get into an industry where I could work with my hands and create something real."

Hands-on learning at CIT

From day one at CIT, Kayla dove into a wide range of construction tasks, including plastering, tiling, painting and working with tools. The course’s blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge has been a highlight for her.

"The course has been great,” she says. “My teacher has gone above and beyond to teach us a diverse range of skills. We’ve had the opportunity to try everything, which has given me a good sense of the different aspects of construction."

This hands-on approach has been invaluable, allowing Kayla to grasp the unique skills required for each trade.

Real-world experience on the CIT Woden Campus project

A standout moment in Kayla’s studies has been working with industry on the CIT Woden Campus project as part of the Lendlease Women in Construction program. This real-world experience has allowed her to apply what she’s learnt in the classroom to a live construction site.

"It’s been fantastic to work on a real site and see how theory is applied in practice," Kayla explains. "It’s helped me understand what each trade involves and has given me a clearer idea of what I might want to focus on in my career."

One particularly rewarding experience was assisting with the installation of structural steel in a stairwell. Kayla’s role involved guiding the steel into position and securing it – a moment of pride knowing her work would become a permanent part of a building that will serve the community.

Building knowledge through experience

The combination of classroom learning and on-site experience has given Kayla a deeper understanding of the industry. "We’re learning the theory behind everything we do on-site, which has deepened my understanding of the industry," she says. "It’s exciting to think that, in the future, I’ll drive past this site and know I was part of it."

Kayla has also cherished the connections she’s made, from classmates to experienced tradespeople.

"Meeting new people and talking to different tradespeople has been an amazing part of this experience," she says. "Everyone has been so welcoming, and it’s made me feel part of a community. It’s a great opportunity to learn and network, especially for women in construction."

Exploring trades and finding a career path

The Lendlease Women in Construction program has been pivotal in helping Kayla explore different trades and identify her skills and interests. "I’ve tried a bit of everything, and it’s really helped me decide which direction I want to go in," she explains. While electrical work currently appeals to her, Kayla remains open to other opportunities.

Her dream is to continue learning through apprenticeships. "I want to try different areas in construction and eventually specialise in one," she says. "For now, I’m just enjoying the process and learning as much as I can."

Advice for aspiring builders

To those considering construction, Kayla’s advice is simple: "Give it a go. Try different trades and see what fits before you settle on one. It’s a great industry with lots of opportunities."

She encourages women to take the leap, highlighting the benefits of the programs like those offered by Lendlease as an excellent entry point. "These programs provide not just experience, but also mentorship, helping you figure out if construction is the right career choice," she says.

Looking towards the future in construction

Kayla’s ultimate goal is to build a rewarding career in construction through continued education and hands-on experience.

"The skills I’ve gained at CIT, especially through the CIT Woden Campus project, have given me a solid base to build on. I’m excited about my future in the construction industry and confident that with continued experience and education, I’ll be able to contribute to its future growth," she says.

Learn more about studying a trade at CIT.