KICKSTART YOUR CONSTRUCTION CAREER
With fast-changing technology, economic shifts, and global trends, the construction industry is at a crucial point. Is now the best time to start a career in construction, or are there significant challenges to long-term growth? Partake in this engaging panel discussion to explore these pressing questions.
Gain insights from academics, students, and industry professionals as they discuss the impact of emerging technologies like project management tools, BIM, AI, and AR on construction processes, and how these advancements create new career opportunities and skill requirements.
The session will also cover sustainable construction practices, trends in global infrastructure investment and major projects, the current skilled labour shortage, and the impact of innovative methods shaping the future of the construction industry.
DATE
04/09/24
TIME
12.00PM - 1.00PM
THE STUDIO, MELBOURNE CONNECT
WHERE
MEET THE PANEL
William Burrows has spent 22 years working in construction contracting across many roles including Estimating, Field Execution, Project Management and Management. He started his career in the family steel fabrication business and witnessed its growth from a small business to part of a publicly listed Engineering Services group servicing capital projects and asset owners across Australia.
For the last 5 years he has worked with InEight and currently leads the team of Project Delivery consultants that work with asset owners and construction contractors to implement InEight solutions. Willam and his team are passionate about the education and change management that drive business transformation and innovation in the capital projects space.Prior to joining InEight William spent 22 years working in construction contracting across many roles including Estimating, Field Execution, Project Management and Management. He started his career in the family steel fabrication business and witnessed its growth from a small business to part of a publicly listed Engineering Services group servicing capital projects and asset owners across Australia.
Justin Fagents joined InEight in 2022 as the Sales Director for APAC. In this role, he serves as a key contributor to the company’s regional sales strategy, focusing on InEight’s commitment to customer experience and helping to further cement the company’s reputation for high levels of customer satisfaction and success. Justin also brings extensive client-focused ICT and managed services experience to InEight gained from delivering high-value solutions to some of Australia most well-known, cloud-based technology organisations. Prior to InEight, he served as Head of Sales for blueAPACHE and as a Global Account Manager for NTT Cloud Communication in the UK. In these roles, he led national sales teams across manufacturing, finance, legal and NFP sectors, all within highly competitive markets.
Dr Ajibade Aibinu, is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Architecture, Building, and Planning at The University of Melbourne. He is deeply committed to optimizing the built environment through data-driven project and asset management, ensuring value-for-money outcomes, and enhancing project delivery processes. Dr. Aibinu holds a PhD from the National University of Singapore and has authored or co-authored over 100 research articles. His work spans qualitative and quantitative research methods, with expertise in data mining, statistical modeling, structural equation modeling, and Artificial Intelligence prediction algorithms. As a visionary entrepreneur, Dr. Aibinu founded ICM, a startup based at The University of Melbourne, dedicated to transforming the management of projects in the construction industry. ICM leverages cloud-based technology, deep learning, and predictive analytics to provide managers with rapid and crucial project insights, enabling them to offer better advice and effectively mitigate risks, particularly during the early stages when project risk is at its peak. Ajibade's dedication to excellence is evident through his numerous awards in research and education. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and was formerly an associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Stephanie Graham was appointed Managing Director, Construction at Lendlease in October 2024. She joined Lendlease in 2003 and has held several senior roles across the Company’s construction and development businesses. With significant expertise in large-scale metro and commercial precinct developments, Stephanie excels in masterplanning, design, project management, delivery and performance, and operations. Her deep understanding of customer needs and ability to balance commercial and financial priorities have consistently led to exceptional outcomes and industry recognition.
Her customer-first approach and adept leadership of large project teams have driven outstanding results. Over the past five years, Stephanie has successfully led major transport-led integrated precincts, working collaboratively with government and private customers, local agencies, and stakeholders.
Passionate about creating an inclusive and equitable environment, Stephanie believes an empowered workforce delivers the best results. Her unique blend of skills across the property and construction sector, combined with her innovative problem-solving approach benefit both partners and delivery teams.
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science (Architecture), University of Sydney, Bachelor of Architecture, University of Sydney and completed the INSEAD Advanced Management Programme in Fontainebleau.
Nikita Goyal is a recent graduate with a Master's degree in Construction Management from the University of Melbourne. As a young and passionate professional, she has embarked on her career in the construction industry as a Quantity Surveyor, specializing in infrastructure projects. With a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Mumbai University, India, Nikita prefers to focus on the practical aspects of the industry, distancing herself from designing
