We chat to M+J tradie Cam about life in construction.

What's your role at M+J?

For the past 3 years I have been one of M+J’s Chippies, but since the start of December I have taken on a new role as a site supervisor.

My new role is supervising one of the biggest Projects M+J’s have taken on since I have been on board with them. I’m learning a lot from Zac Garrett who is M+J’s project manager/estimator and he's got a skillset that I'm keen to learn from.

I'm currently on Robertson Barracks doing the Refurbs on the OR’s Lia G Precinct for AKJS. We've got 13 buildings that have been fully stripped and we are putting them back together. On average there would be 80 trades on site.

Being off the tools is definitely different because you don’t realise how much work goes on behind the scenes. I do a lot of coordinating trades on where they should be and what stage they should be at and a lot of push push push. Giving solutions to problems.

How did you get into construction?

I got into construction when I was 16. I did a school-based apprenticeship back down in the Mid North coast of NSW. 

I decided to go down that path because I’m a pretty hands-on type of person. I have always shown interest in construction and building. What I like most about it is that you’re not always doing the same thing, one week you could be doing a fit off the other week you could be roofing so on and so forth. Everyday is different.

Best part about your job?

My favourite part of the job is seeing results and getting to see the start and finish of a job. I'm such a people person and get along with pretty much anyone. M+J have got the best bunch of boys that I have worked with - we are a tight knit group. 

What advice would you give someone looking to get into the construction industry?

If you’re a hands-on type of person, get into a trade as soon as you can - building, sparkie or plumbing, it doesn’t matter what trade because if you don’t like it you can always change and you will always have something to fall back on. 

Any feedback, whether it be good or bad, is feedback you can learn from. Getting a trade has been the best thing I’ve done. 

Favourite tool and why?

This is a tough one! It would have to be my Engel. Everyone is happy when the lid lifts when we knock off. 

But in all seriousness, favourite tool would have to be the track saw. It can be used for a lot of things but if you are fitting doors off it just makes life a lot easier and save a lot of time.