High praise for industry placement program

Yenny Silvara has high praise for USQ Industry Placement Program after completing  her placement with international construction company Laing O'Rouke.

Colombian international student Yenny Silvara credits her recent industry placement with international construction company Laing O’Rourke with giving her the confidence to look for work in Australia after completing her Masters in Project Management in November.

The job placement with Laing O’Rourke, organised by the University of Southern Queensland’s (USQ) Careers and Employment, Student Services as part of their Industry Experience Program was aimed at assisting Ms Silvara to develop and enhance her skills and knowledge in an actual industry environment.

Ms Silvara, who works as an industrial engineer in Colombia said that Laing O’Rourke’s BER Project Team lead by Project Manager Nicholle Sparkes welcomed her with open arms and provided incredible opportunities for her to learn during her three month experience.

'From the moment I started I was made to feel part of the team', Ms Silvara said.

'They allowed me to see the inner workings of projects in an Australian construction company from design, control, implementation and project monitoring. The project team showed the utmost professionalism and dedication to each task with the aim to get good results.

'My first language is Spanish and when I applied for the work placement, I really wasn’t sure if my English was good enough to work in an Australian company.

'Laing O’Rourke took me under their wing and I found that my confidence grew and my English improved so much through the experience.

'They sent me to construction sites in many different towns, provided me with accommodation, transport and food and allowed me to work alongside the teams on site where I learned so much.'

Ms Silvara said she owed a debt of gratitude to many people for making the experience so rewarding.

'I can’t thank Laing O’Rourke, my project management lecturers and student services enough for this opportunity. I loved working on the projects and through completing this program hope to move into higher levels of responsibility within the field of project development.

'I thoroughly recommend the USQ Master of Project Management the USQ Industry Placement Program to any international or domestic student, it is a great way to consolidate theory into practice and build confidence in students.

Laing O’Rourke Project Manager Nicholle Sparkes said the company was committed to supporting young professionals in the construction industry.

'As a large, international organisation, we have a responsibility to give back to the industry and to encourage young people who are starting out in their construction careers,' Ms Sparkes said.

'It’s very rewarding to have played a part in Yenny’s career development.'

Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096