Our Instep Young Leaders braved the chilly morning last week for a chance to go behind the scenes of a major building project and hear directly from the LT McGuinness team driving its delivery. Students were welcomed by Stephanie Reading and heard a quick introduction from quantity surveyor William Bell, followed by presentations from CWEM project manager James Haworth and community hub project manager Matt Campbell.

Matt shared the story behind the site, reflecting on its historical significance and the role of mana whenua in shaping its future. The land was originally gifted for community use, and the current build honours that intent. The architectural design references the trees that once lined Cameron Road, and local iwi have been consulted throughout the process.

It was clear from the kōrero that LT McGuinness takes pride in creating an environment where people want to work. Both Matt and commercial manager Ciaron Ferns spoke about the importance of a strong culture. From apprentices to subtrades, everyone on site is made to feel welcome. That sense of belonging is something LT has become known for. When new projects come up, people tend to look to them first.

Students were also exposed to the breadth of roles available in the construction sector. Ciaron shared his journey, starting out on the tools after moving to New Zealand before transitioning into commercial management. He talked about how much he enjoys the problem-solving and numbers side of the job and how every new project brings new challenges and learnings.

Matt spoke about his pathway through project management, gradually working his way from smaller builds to large-scale community developments. He noted that cadetships and apprenticeships can open doors, but so can study in areas like quantity surveying and construction management. No matter where you start, there are plenty of ways to grow and move around in the industry.

Artificial intelligence was also a topic of interest. When a student asked about its potential use in the sector, Ciaron explained that LT is exploring it, but it’s still early days. While AI may assist in some areas, accuracy is essential, and everything still requires human oversight.

Liam Good from Tauranga Boys’ College summed up the mood well when he said he appreciated learning about what goes on behind the scenes of the big builds happening right in our own backyard.

The Instep Young Leaders programme continues to give students these kinds of real-world insights by connecting them with employers and industries across the region. Each breakfast is designed to inspire, inform, and spark ideas about future pathways.

If you’re a business interested in hosting a future breakfast or helping to showcase career opportunities in your sector, get in touch with the Instep team