Some people discover their career after years of searching. Others grow up with it staring them in the face. For FDC Cadet, Emily Slabbert, construction always felt familiar. School holidays were spent following her builder father around worksites, watching projects take shape from the ground up while her mum worked shifts as a nurse. At the time, she didn't necessarily imagine herself working in construction. Teaching appealed, “because she was bossy,” she laughs. But when the time came to decide what to do after school, construction made the most sense.

"I was tossing up between a few things and I couldn't decide. My dad was like, ‘Well, you've been in the office with me. You've been on sites. Why don't you give construction a go?’ So I signed up and it's been great. I've been here for three and a half years, and really enjoying it!”

A Perfect Role

Today, Emily is completing a Bachelor of Construction Project Management at UTS alongside her role as a cadet, combining university study with hands-on experience across some of Sydney's most significant projects. For Emily, it was never about choosing between an office job and working on site. She wanted both. "I wanted something that was not at a desk full time" she says. "This is a good hybrid."

That balance is one of the things she enjoys most about the role. No two days look quite the same. One morning might involve coordinating trades and reviewing documentation, while the afternoon is spent onsite, solving problems and watching projects evolve in real time.

Unlike many larger organisations where graduates rotate through individual departments, Emily says FDC's cadetship provides exposure across the entire project lifecycle from design and finance through to subcontractor management and site coordination. "We're kind of like an all-rounder at FDC," she explains. "You get involved in all different aspects of the company... you're forced to learn things really quickly, which is good because you learn from your mistakes."

That broad experience has already seen Emily contribute to an impressive range of projects, but one remains a standout. "The Cutaway project," she says without hesitation. "I was on that right from the start. When we put up the first bit of steel, I was like, 'Oh wow, this is really cool.'"

Equally important has been the support she's found along the way. From her first day, Emily says FDC's people-first culture stood out. It was one of the reasons she chose FDC in the first place. "I went on the website and they just had a really good presence," she says. "It just looked like a really good company." That impression was cemented during the interview process. "From the very first conversations, you could just see how personable everyone is. All the directors get to know you by name, which really makes you feel like a valued part of the team.”

Three and a half years later, that sense of connection remains. On every project, says Emily, she works alongside experienced project managers who actively mentor and invest in her development.

Looking Ahead

Construction is one of the most male-dominated industries, but from the very beginning, Emily says she felt comfortable, largely thanks to FDCs welcoming and inclusive culture. "I was wary at first because I went to an all-girls high school. I wasn't used to being around so many guys, but I quickly realised you get treated and respected the same as everyone else. Everyone's really nice,” she says. “If you do your job, apply yourself, show that you're putting in the effort and ask a lot of questions, then that's all you really need to do. Working here is based on your ability, not your gender.”

Having women in senior leadership positions has only reinforced that belief. “I always say to [Construction Manager] Emma Thomy, I'd like to be a construction manager like her. And then she’ll sit with me and show me what I need to do to get to that role. Because there are so many women in high positions at FDC, getting to that level feels possible.”

As Emily prepares to finish her degree and step into the next phase of her career as a Contracts Administrator, she's already gained experience across major projects, learned to adapt to different teams and environments, and developed the confidence that comes from being trusted with real responsibility. Looking back, she's grateful she took the leap.

"FDC has been so welcoming and supportive. People actually care about you outside of work and make sure you're okay." And for Emily, that's what has made the difference: not simply the opportunity to build projects, but the opportunity to build a career alongside people genuinely invested in seeing her succeed.