Yang came to Australia with a background as an established engineering consultant from China. After completing his Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) at Orange College, he started working as an Environmental Coordinator working on the Victorian Government’s level crossing work. Yang loves working on this kind of nation-building project where a visible change in the community is clear. Removing level crossings has been a major priority and challenge with the reduction in delays for motorists making a significant impact on the broader Melbourne metropolitan area.

While Yang was working in a similar role in his home country, developing the cultural knowledge and networks in the Australian context was one of the major advantages of studying at an industry-focused college like Orange College. In particular, the case studies that contextualized a range of local expectations and methodologies that are essential for anyone entering into industry in Australia. With trainers with decades of experience in the Australian construction industry, studying with Orange College equips students with the technical skills as well as the cultural knowledge needed to excel in a new environment.

The job is not without its challenges though, tight deadlines and pressure to meet targets are part and parcel of working on major infrastructure projects. Apart from the purely functional aspects of the role, developing rapport and ongoing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders is an essential part of Yang’s job.

For current and aspiring international students wanting to make their mark in the construction industry in Australia, Yang emphasized the importance of developing networks and improving some of the ‘softer’ skills that inevitably come up when dealing with various stakeholders with competing demands.