STEM Program

In September 2018, RLB in Sydney hosted Module 6 of the STEM Program with Laing O’Rourke, Savills, Dexus, and Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College. Module 6 focused on ‘Change Management and Delivery’ during the construction process of a current project – 100 Mount Street, North Sydney.

The purpose of the STEM Program is to introduce female students to the construction industry, in the hope of encouraging their involvement in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In 2017 only 16.9% of all Australian construction employees were female (WGEA, 2018), a statistic that this program aims to change at the high school level of career choices.

Module 6 of the STEM program introduced the students to the daily interaction and cooperation between companies. Students were presented with a challenge; to quantify and cost a variation to 100 Mount Street, North Sydney as a quantity surveyor; assess case studies and cost implications as a project manager; use market rental factors and return to prepare a feasibility as a property developer; and ultimately recommend whether the developer, Dexus, should proceed with the variation.

The students took to the task with enthusiasm, applying their computer, analysis, and critical thinking skills, then each presenting their recommendation to the companies backed with a multitude of reasons.

RLB is looking forward to working with Laing O’Rourke, Savills, Dexus, and Monte staff and students again in the future.