Cadet Forum 2024 

Developing the pipeline of future industry leaders. 

We celebrate developing future leadersour Cadet Forums are valuable networking opportunities. 

We were lucky to be joined by Tom Harley, Sydney Swans CEO, and senior business leaders including Grant D’Arcy, Samantha Kuiper, Vanessa Riley and Tamara Jonson. Thank you to all our speakers for sharing real-world insights into teamwork, perseverance and innovation. 

When asked about her experience in the Cadet Program, Sophie Sidegreaves, Building Cadet, reflected, “The networking and learning opportunities are invaluable. This ‘real-world,’ on-site experience has helped me gain a better understanding of the industry; picking up subtle cues and ways-of-working from my team, clients, and subcontractors that you don’t get in a classroom.” 

University of Technology Sydney Student Tour

Discovering a state-of-the-art industrial precinct

99 University of Technology Sydney students took a behind-the-scenes tour of Charter Hall’s Light Horse Logistics Hub.

“This was a truly immersive opportunity – gauging the scale and complexity of the site while gaining practical insights into university theory,” said Ayva Gibbs, Building Cadet at RCC.

We’re committed to advancing the industry by developing the pipeline of future industry leaders. Thanks to tour guides Andre Kisso, Mitchell Kay and Rick Montefor showcasing the 43,310sqm warehouse and distribution centre.

“RCC always goes above and beyond in accommodating UTS students on these amazing site visits. Safety is always paramount, and the detailed presentations provide students with invaluable practical insights,” said Craig Barry, Director at CKB Projects & Consulting Pty Ltd and Lecturer for UTS’ School of Built Environment.

Learn more about this project here.

UTS x RCC Merit Scholarship for Women Recipients 2024 

Congratulations Carys and Perpetua! 

Congratulations to Carys Fitzgerald and Perpetua Thabet – recipients of the University of Technology Sydney and Richard Crookes Constructions Merit Scholarship for Women. 

They now join one of the largest cadet programs in Australia– the RCC Cadet Program. Over a two-year structured program, Carys and Perpetua will work with industry leaders and gain industry experience that complements their university commitments and accelerates their careers.   

Overview  

The Richard Crookes Constructions Merit Scholarship for Women has been established to recognise the academic excellence of female students in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) and/or the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building (DAB).  

We’re committed to education, talent development and fostering diversity in our workforce. This commitment extends to advancing the industry and shaping the future through education and training. This scholarship enables us to bolster and develop the pipeline of future female industry leaders.  

Congratulations to Frank Galluzzo

Recognised as Master Builders Australia’s Building Graduate of the Year.  

“Frank’s mature interfacing with clients and practical skills are instrumental to project delivery. His ability to forge relationships and trust with the consultants is one of the most notable aspects of his impact,” said James Pester, Senior Project Engineer.   

Frank began his career as a Cadet and is now one of our highly valued Site Engineers on the City Tattersalls Club Redevelopment project.  

Frank joins the alumni of MBA Graduate winners including our own Grant D’Arcy (2003) and Elliot Hicks (2007).  

A warm congratulations also to Mia Fine for being shortlisted. People are at the heart of RCC and the property and construction industry – we’re proud to celebrate you both. 

Carving a pathway to success

Jamie Crookes, Managing Director, celebrated the graduation of Dylan Sparre-Sepulveda, Site Engineer, last week.

Graduating with First Class Honours, Dylan began his career as a Cadet with RCC and is now one of our highly valued Site Engineers – helping deliver award-winning Health projects.

People are at the heart of RCC and the property and construction industry. Congratulations Dylanwe’re delighted to support your professional development. It’s highly rewarding for us to be on this journey with you.  

You can learn more about our Cadet program here.  

UTS x RCC Merit Scholarship for Women – apply now!

Join one of the largest Cadet programs in Australia. 

Applications are now open for the Richard Crookes Constructions Merit Scholarship for Women, closing 18 March 2024.  

Join a community of students who’ve kick-started their careers in one of Australia’s largest cadet programs – the RCC Cadet Program. Over a two-year structured program, work with industry leaders and gain industry experience that complements your university commitments and accelerates your career.  

Carve out your own path to success by working across an array of project sectors and core business specialties tailored to your interests. 

Overview 

The Richard Crookes Constructions Merit Scholarship for Women has been established to recognise the academic excellence of female students in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) and/or the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building (DAB). 

We’re committed to education, talent development and fostering diversity in our workforce. This commitment extends to advancing the industry and shaping the future through education and training. This scholarship enables us to bolster and develop the pipeline of future female industry leaders.  

Want to find out more? 

You can learn about eligibility requirements, conditions of the Award and application forms here 

Our commitment on International Day of Education, and beyond

We’re shifting the dial for the next generation.

Today, we pause to reflect on the 418 projects our team has delivered across the private, public and tertiary sectors since 1976. 

This future-focused education infrastructure has helped nurture and shape bright young minds across Australia – some of whom have gone on to pursue rewarding careers in STEM.  

We’re committed to building a better industry, however we know that meaningful change is incremental. Through the continued delivery of critical social infrastructure and our Cadet Program, we’re shifting the dial to create a safe and inclusive environment for the next generation. 

RCC’s Cadet Program  

Students can experience everything construction has to offer in a 2-year structured program. Generally, students will join us in their 2nd or 3rd year, gaining valuable industry experience that complements University commitments and accelerates their careers.  

Discover some of RCC’s completed Education projects  

Read more about how we’re shaping the future of education infrastructure here. 

Building an important partnership with the Property Industry Foundation 

Making moves for homeless and vulnerable Australian youth. 

We’re taking a moment to recognise our amazing RCC riders who’ve just tackled 60km and 100km at Tour de PIF 2023. 

In our first year participating in this important initiative, we’re proud to have raised over $2,000 in support of The Property Industry Foundation – an independent not-for-profit that increases the number of bedrooms available for homeless youth. 

In 2022 alone, the Property Industry Foundation built or refurbished five houses, developing 20 more bedrooms to the market for vulnerable youth. This brings their total to 238 bedrooms, home to 335 young people, and 86,870 safe nights of sleep.   

Well done to our team: 

  • Robin Jones, Senior Estimator  
  • Pauline Leggat, Contracts Manager 
  • John McKeon, Estimating Manager – Major Projects 
  • Jonty Young, Building Cadet
  • Obadiah (Obi) Williams, Senior Project Engineer  

UTS x RCC Scholarship Alumni ‘Get Together’

UTS x RCC Scholarship Alumni ‘Get Together’

We work hard to provide future generations with opportunities for growth and positive change – as such, supporting young women as they enter the construction industry is something we take seriously.

As part of this commitment, RCC have developed a unique program with UTS to recognise and empower high-achieving young females pursuing careers in STEM – the UTS Richard Crookes Constructions Merit Scholarship for Women. Since 2016, 9 students in either the Faculty of Engineering or the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building have received $15,000 towards their degree over a 2-year period, before going on to undertake a cadetship with the RCC team.

UTS Richard Crookes Constructions Merit Scholarship for Women alumni from the past 3 years joined Richard Crookes, Executive Chairman, Samantha Kuiper, General Manager – Design and Innovation, Tony Grippi, General Manager – Operations and Vanessa Riley, Chief People Officer, for a site tour of the iconic Sirius project. This was a wonderful opportunity for our Leadership Team to connect with industry trailblazers – the young females making their mark within the construction and design space.

Due for completion this year, Samantha explained how the project will revitalise the iconic landmark while protecting its rich heritage – offering high-end, luxury living and an unparalleled Sydney lifestyle opportunity.

We strongly believe in the value of camaraderie and creating a workplace that’s both enjoyable and supportive. Given this, maintaining a genuine connection with our scholarship recipients, and in-turn, supporting the next generation of female leaders in the industry, is of the utmost importance.

Thank you to Richard Crookes, Samantha Kuiper, Tony Grippi, Vanessa Riley, UTS and our incredible alumni for joining us at this event. We look forward to enhancing our scholarship programme in the future, and can’t to watch you progress through what will, no doubt, be amazing careers.

$65,800 Raised to Provide Health and Developmental Care for Country Kids

RCC cyclists conquered over 400km in support of developmentally vulnerable children living in regional, rural, and remote communities.

A big congratulations to RCC’s incredible cyclists, who took on the Ride for Country Kids earlier this year – raising over $65,800 in support of Royal Far West, Australia’s only national charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of country children. 

Team RCC showed up with passion and perseverance, coming together to tackle the gruelling 400km+ course from Cooma to Lake Hume Village over 3 days. From Mark Bowd’s parents welcoming the team into Tumbarumba, Jonty Young being nicknamed “Quadzilla” and the team jumping into Lake Hume on the final day, it truly was the ride of a lifetime.  

Country communities have had a tough couple of years – the impact of natural disasters coupled with the existing disadvantage of distance and availability of services has seen the number of country kids in need of developmental and mental health services drastically increase. For this reason, fundraising efforts are crucial to connect children in rural and remote communities to the critical assessments, services and support they need to thrive. 

David Sharp, Chief Financial Officer, spoke with the Royal Far West team on the importance of the fundraising initiative:

At RCC, we are committed to giving back to the regional communities in which we work. Our dedicated project teams have recently delivered a number of health precincts in the ACT region, including Cooma Hospital, MPS Braidwood, YASS and Harden, Tumut Hospital and MPS Tumbarumba Hospital. These state-of-the-art facilities ensure regional communities have greater access to essential healthcare services.  

Well done to our riders and event facilitators:  

  • David Sharp, Chief Financial Officer
  • Mark Bowd, Senior Project Manager 
  • Lucas Rielly, Site Manager  
  • Obadiah Williams, Project Engineer
  • Jonty Young, Building Cadet 
  • Kane Towns, Owner of Towns Cranes 
  • Chris Schreurs 
  • Michael Ellis, Design Manager 
  • Jess Dwyer, Head of Corporate Affairs & Communications 
  • Megan Jagers, Marketing & Communications Advisor