The new postgraduate suite of offerings in Project Management is CQUniversity's response to a call from G&S Engineering, which was echoed by industry peak bodies...

There was a clear demand for internationally-recognised qualifications that would formalise the knowledge and experience many senior staff have gained by managing large-scale projects.

Back row L to R: Graeme Cox, Aidan Cameron, Daniel Lynam, Ross Beattie, Josh Spiteri from G&S Engineering and Tony Stephens from Paynter Dixon; Front row L to R: Michael McGrath from Fire and Safety Industries, CQUniversity Senior Lecturer Richard Egelstaff and Phil Geach from TEAM Engineering

Students enrolled in the inaugural Graduate Certificate of Project & Program Management recently gathered at CQUniversity Mackay Campus for a component of their course.

A number of students in this cohort are employees of G&S Engineering, a key player in asset management for mining and infrastructure. One of the G&S students, Josh Spiteri is involved in infrastructure projects which have anywhere between $500,000 to $20 million of assets to manage, with demanding timeframes and manning requirements.

Paynter Dixon handles project management for the design and construction of commercial buildings and/or the management of construction. Company project manager Tony Stephens has enrolled in this new course to advance his personal skills, to better facilitate a higher level of construction within local industry.

TEAM Engineering project manager Phil Geach comes from a small to medium enterprise specialising in the delivery of projects from conception to turn-key. TEAM Engineering offers continued maintenance and support via field services, workshops, engineering, drafting and project management.

Michael McGrath and Tony Stephens discuss the new Project and Program Management course

Phil says his motivation for enrolling in the program is to develop formal qualifications. His company has identified him for a career pathway in management, and despite being trade-qualified and having extensive and broad experience in management and supervisory roles, Phil has no qualification to recognise his knowledge or expertise base.

"Good understanding of the processes and principles of project management can help avoid unnecessary disputes. The size and critical nature of projects is extreme today. Margins are tighter and projects are increasingly expected to be on time, and on budget. Clients are now demanding an understanding of the roll-out of their project, and this course will give me a solid understanding of the international principles of project management and to be professional in that work," Phil says.