Symal recognises the value of diverse experiences and the unique skills that veterans bring to our industry.
For Nick, a Leading Hand, his time in the Army Reserve laid the foundation for a seamless transition into construction, equipping him with leadership skills, teamwork, and a strong work ethic that continues to shape his career today.
Nick’s career began at the age of 21 when he joined the Monash University Regiment as a General Entry Officer while studying civil engineering. His passion for engineering pushed him to transfer to the 22nd Engineering Regiment, where he did extensive field training and gained valuable hands-on experience. After his time in the Regiment, Nick felt a pull towards a career change – landing him in a traineeship in drafting before stepping into the construction industry.
Now, as a Leading Hand at Symal, Nick is responsible for managing ground crews, planning operations and making sure projects run smoothly to ensure successful delivery. His military training has been invaluable in his role, teaching him how to lead teams and adapt to the dynamic nature of the industry.
“The skills I learned through the military – how to be a leader, how to work with people, and the strong work ethic – transitioned really well into what I do now,” Nick shares. “The transition from the military can be daunting for a lot of veterans. Depending on what part of the Defence force they work in, that transition looks different for everyone.”
We’re committed to supporting veterans in experiencing the excitement of building a career in the construction industry where people and performance make amazing things happen. Nick reflects on the opportunity that was given to him at Symal:
“I’m really lucky to work with Symal, who truly respects the needs of the Australian Defence Force and all reservists,” Nick adds. “The patience and the willingness to work with someone during their transition is so important, and Symal does that really well.“
We are proud to continue offering career pathways to people like Nick, building both projects and veterans' careers.
If you’re a veteran or reservist looking to transition into construction, we’d love to hear from you!
Reach out to us at veterans@symal.com.au