How does a year on a CPB Contractors construction site compare to delivering a construction project as an Australian Defence Force (ADF) Army Engineer?
In this interview, Army Engineer Officer Ryan, who has been working with CPB Contractors as a Site Engineer on Brisbane’s Cross River Rail project for the past 12 months, shares his experience. He gives advice for other ADF personnel considering seconding, and talks about the learnings he’ll take back to base with him.
Ryan, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I've been with the ADF for almost ten years, including while I completed my Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons), and I am an Army Engineer Officer. I’m currently on a 12-month civilian secondment delivering Brisbane's Cross River Rail as part of the CPB Contractors team.
My role as an Army Engineer Officer involves managing teams to deliver remote area construction, domestically and overseas in our near region. It's a broad role and not just construction. It can range from combat engineering to construction activities that might be community building in remote locations. Or it can be after natural disasters, enabling movement of troops and equipment through an area of operation or constructing operational bases for soldiers.
What motivated you to apply for a civilian secondment?
I was keen to take on a new challenge and wanted to engage in a different scope of work. It had been on my radar for a while - I really love what I'm doing in the ADF, but I also joined at 17. It has been great to spend time honing my skills on-site in a different world to what I'm used to.
I actually asked to join the Cross River Rail project because it is just that: it's so unique and will transform how Queenslanders travel. Being in Brisbane is also great - it's where my unit is based.
What is your role on the project?
I am a Site Engineer, and I am working in the structures team on the Boggo Road site. My work oversees the delivery of structural concrete elements, both below-ground and above-ground. I started in January and will wrap up my role in mid-December. It's an exciting part of the project, and I am enjoying working with a great team and new stakeholders.
What has your experience been like since joining the CPB Contractors team?
It's been really rewarding. I came into this secondment wanting to get more experience on a larger-scale project, and it’s definitely delivered. I have really valued the opportunity to work alongside people with such high levels of technical expertise.
What similarities have you found between ADF and civilian construction sites?
Well, the sites are very different, but I think the skills are largely the same. In both roles, it’s about good planning, a focus on safety and risk management and teamwork to get things done. While the processes in both contexts can be stringent, the civilian sector often requires a different scale and pace of execution.
Another huge similarity would have to be CPB Contractors' approach to procurement and employment. Similar to the Commonwealth, they both prioritise recruiting diverse people and supply chain partners. It's a largely local workforce here on site each day, so it's something that I'm used to.
What are the main differences you’ve observed?
The stand out would be the consistent nature of civilian projects; here, our crews work five to six days each week of the year, and that's pretty different. In the ADF, operations often involve cycles of planning and executing specific missions and the tempo of activities will vary significantly throughout the year.
What key learnings will you take back to Defence?
I think it will mainly be a fresh perspective and new ideas. This year, I've gained exposure to new projects with different challenges and learned how to solve and work around them.
From a leadership perspective, I'll take away the value different people and schools of thought bring to a workplace. While someone may excel in one area, no one is the sole expert in everything, and diversity of expertise means we can all keep learning.
What advice would you give fellow ADF members considering a secondment in civilian construction?
My secondment happened because of one of the ADF's programs, so I’d say to get out there and look at how you can leverage their programs to keep building new skills, too. My overall advice is to take the opportunity and give it a try. While it may sound like a cliché, I believe that the ADF equips you with a strong foundation for working effectively in a team setting.
Thanks Ryan!
CPB Contractors is committed to creating opportunities for veterans and will continue to embed strategies that enhance recruitment, development, and communication, as well as procurement from veteran-owned businesses in the construction industry, through its Veteran Strategy and Action Plan.