Chaya mentors NAWIC buddies

Winslow Constructors Site Engineer Chaya Tiktin has been mentoring university students studying for careers in the construction industry.

The Buddy Program is run by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Victoria Education Committee to help students navigate the transition from university to industry, and successfully integrate into the workforce.

The program is available for Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management and Architecture students of all genders.

Chaya is one of 33 ‘buddies’ who have volunteered to participate in the program to mentor one to two students.

“I wanted to participate as I had an interesting journey into the industry,” Chaya said.

“I studied an engineering discipline that didn’t direct me to the construction industry, but I recognised the skills I wanted to use in my day-to-day life were predominantly project management.

“I loved the idea of a career in an indoor/outdoor workplace, so I wanted to share with my buddies how you can think outside the box in job applications.

“I also wanted to promote Winslow’s priority to employ people who show initiative and promise.”

Chaya hosted a tour of a Winslow site in Geelong, Gen Fyansford, which was an opportunity for the students to learn about the operations at the former quarry that has been redeveloped into a residential area.   

“We were lucky enough to be shown around the site by Construction Manager Matt Brown,” Chaya said.

“There were a wide range of activities being conducted, from bulk earthworks to retaining walls, so Matt was able to step through the construction process and site-specific problems that were encountered.

She said after the tour everyone was “very excited about a career with Winslow”.

Click here for more details on how to join NAWIC for free.