Tag Archives: Education

Community, Education

Successful Delivery Of Large Scale Education Projects In South Australia

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The start of a new school year is always exciting, this year the South Australian Department for Education experienced even higher levels as it welcomed students to two brand new, purpose built “birth to year 12” (B-12) schools. Located in the ​​outer metropolitan areas of Adelaide, the Angle Vale Riverbanks B-12 College and the Aldinga Payinthi College, the schools were delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project. Following a comprehensive procurement process, TESA Education comprising Tetris Capital, Dutch Infrastructure Fund, Sarah Construction and ISS Services was awarded the $240 million contract to construct and maintain the two schools, and the outcome is truly world class.

Deb O’Riley, Director New Schools at Department for Education, said, “our working relationship with Sarah Constructions through the TESA partnership has been one of ease and professionalism. The Department engaged Sarah to build 3 of the new schools opening in 2022, as well as a number of capital works projects in our existing education sites across the state. The teams we’re working with, across multiple sites, are dedicated to delivering the projects on time and in a friendly and professional manner.”

The high level logistical and management requirements to simultaneously construct two B – 12 schools, in two separate locations required sophisticated resourcing, operational, financial and project management. Underpinning Sarah’s successful delivery of these schools and at the same time also managing large education projects at Whyalla Secondary College and Murray Bridge High School, are three core areas: resourcing, communication and supply chain management. Sarah’s skill and commitment across these areas resulted in world class Educational facilities delivering modern pedogeological outcomes.

Aldinga Payinthi College Completion Fly Through

Resourcing – the right people for the job

Sarah Constructions have a long history delivering Education projects and are experts in this field. Sarah’s experienced internal resources created a strong project management team and the ability to partner with the best subcontractors to deliver across both sites.

Sarah’s PPP Project Director, Ben Layley, said “Sarah’s collaborative approach, not only with the project team members and the Department throughout the design and build phase but also with wider market partners to ensure that supply chains and subcontractor availability and resourcing would be sufficient, was critical in our ability to provide surety around delivery.”

The advantage of putting emphasis on people first in commercial construction is that it builds the foundation for mutually beneficial business relationships. Sarah CEO, Adrian Esplin explains “our business is purely about people. We don’t make products; through our team of experts we manage advanced problem processing. We’re a business that consists of people who are highly motivated to achieve great outcomes. Working with the people within the Department of Education and bringing together expert people from our design partners, we have delivered unique world class campus style educational facilities that will stand the test of time.”

Communication – actively building strong relationships

With a focus on mutually successful relationships, differences of opinion and challenging conversations were expertly managed through Sarah’s relationship first and solutions based win/win outcomes approach, which resulted in the enviable outcome of a dispute free PPP engagement.

Navigating the complex PPP contract structure required high standard, effective communication to deliver all parties objectives. “Working with numerous stakeholders each with differing measures of success, required close and active management. Building strong relationships within the project team and creating a collaborative project ethos was instrumental in the cohesion achieved within the project and the outcome that satisfied all of the different objectives” said Mr Layley.

For Alison Colbeck, Principal at the new Aldinga Payinthi College, Sarah’s strong communication and relationship building approach enabled “a thoughtful approach to pedagogy. As teachers we understand that the best learning environments are collaborative and not just within four walls, and working collaboratively with the Sarah team, that’s what has been designed and built. I’m excited and thrilled to see this sort of investment in this diverse and creative community. This school will be beneficial, from the level of education we will deliver through to the positive outcomes for the community.”

Supply Chain Management – foresight and knowledge to avoid delays

With two sites building effectively the same buildings at opposite ends of Adelaide, at the same time, strategic subcontractor selection, package breakdown and allocation was essential to ensure adequate resources were available to achieve program. Key subcontractors were awarded packages across both sites where efficiencies existed, for example services and structural framing trades.

Even though SA was relatively sheltered from the lock downs and larger effects of COVID until November 2021, throughout 2021 there were increasing supply chain constrictions, and additional requirements on site operational functions for hygiene, density and tracing requirements.

“Sarah’s processes and agility allowed us to embrace new ways of doing things with minimal impact on the delivery of the project. For the Education department, surety of delivery in a market stressed by constrictions and supply chain shortages, provided significant reassurance.”

Sarah approached the PPP as a delivery partner rather than just a builder. We place high value in the relationship we have with the State and Department for Education. The project team was committed to approaching the design and delivery of these schools with a best for project mentality. Educational outcomes were at the forefront of all design decisions and the overriding determinate during challenging design or delivery situations. We are proud of the facilities that have been delivered and with the relationships fostered during the project” said Mr Layley.

Following the success of these projects, Sarah Constructions has recently been awarded the build of Morialta Secondary College, A new public secondary school to cater for 1200 students from year 7 to 12.

To learn more about our capability or the SA Schools PPP project, contact us today.

Still photography by Sam Noonan.

Aldinga Payinthi College done footage by Scott Berwick Creative. 

Angle Vale Riverbanks B-12  drone footage by Stray Creative. 

Aldinga-Payinthi-College-drone-image
Education, News

The TESA Consortium: Successfully Navigating Unique $240 Million Education Project

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Sarah Constructions, as part of the TESA Consortium, was engaged by the South Australian Department for Education to deliver two new “birth to year 12” (B-12) schools in the Angle Vale and Aldinga regions of outer metropolitan Adelaide. The $240M SA Schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) is a complex project involving multiple teams and stakeholders.

The TESA Consortium comprises Sarah Constructions, Tetris Capital, DIF Capital Partners and ISS Services Australia. Sarah Constructions is the Design and Construct Contractor responsible for the delivery of the two schools.

The two new Schools, Riverbanks College B-12, Angle Vale and Aldinga Payinthi College, are part of a major program to establish best practice school infrastructure across South Australia, to enhance South Australia’s reputation as a destination for capital investment and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

Deb O’Riley, Director New Schools at Department for Education, said, “The new schools are part of the state government’s $1.4b investment into creating world-class education infrastructure across the state.”

“It’s great that we’ve been able to engage Sarah Constructions, a South Australian company, to help us build state-of-the-art facilities in our schools” said Ms O’Riley.

Each school is designed to accommodate 1,500 students, 100 special school students and a 75-place children’s centre (totalling 1,675 places), along with 211 teaching and support staff. The schools will be master-planned to accommodate a future capacity of up to 2084 students.

The schools include facilities for students, teachers, parents and the wider community.  Each site will provide pre-school and long day care services, along with OSHC programs. Both schools will include performing arts theatres, libraries and entrepreneurial hubs, VET kitchen and on-site cafeteria, Primary and Secondary gym facilities, dual purpose soccer and hockey fields and full size AFL ovals.

To accommodate the new schools, there is also significant transport infrastructure upgrade works occurring in both regions, including the construction of new roads and intersections.

Sarah’s Project Director, Ben Layley, said that it’s been an exciting project for him, involving numerous moving parts and all at considerable scale. “It’s been rewarding to be involved since the Bid phase, acting as a conduit and facilitator between the different parties. We’ve been heavily involved in the design process upfront, then all the way through with ongoing communication to now, the final build stages.”

Riverbanks-College-drone-image

Two Sites, One Project

Communication and expert project management has been key to the success of this project. The requirement to deliver two consistent schools, at different ends of outer metropolitan Adelaide, both going live at the same time, was a major undertaking. The Sarah team was led by Project Director, Ben Layley with Paul Marino, Senior Project Manager on the Aldinga site and Luke Ferme, Senior Project Manager at the Angle Vale site.

“It’s been challenging to manage the consistencies across both sites. We have needed to create new systems and processes to manage this. Regular communication was key to achieving good outcomes,” said Luke.

Paul agreed, “Angle Vale and Aldinga are different project sites and needed to be managed as such but from a client level, they have the same delivery requirements. From windows to paint finishing, the level of detail across the two projects is something I hadn’t experienced before.

Sarah rose to this challenge and executed this well. We had a central design team that worked through the details across both projects to ensure consistent detail. From a site perspective, we have very stringent inspection and test plans implemented, to ensure design intent was achieved across both sites.”

Deb O’Riley said it’s been the “frequent and reliable communication” from Sarah that has allowed them to provide ongoing updates to multiple teams and stakeholders, ultimately facilitating the success of the builds.

Project Progress: From North To South

Both sites are now moving into the final project stages in readiness for handover prior to opening in 2022 for the new school year. At Aldinga, Paul explained that the buildings are currently in different stages of completion. “We’re coming into final commissioning and full fit-out for 5 of the buildings. Externally we’re starting to pour concrete, build garden beds, lay turf on the oval, bitchumise carparks and install canopy structures. This is a very active stage of the project with lots of different trades on site.”

At the Angle Vale site, they’re currently progressing through external works, including concreting play areas, putting finishing touches to buildings and taking delivery of furniture. “At times, we’ve had over 300 people on-site working. It’s positive seeing that many people work together – this project has provided a lot of opportunity for people in construction, which is especially rewarding in these challenging Covid times” said Luke.

Riverbanks College interior architecture

Delivering Education Outcomes And Community Benefits

Careful consideration for learning outcomes and wider community integration were included in the design and development of the two schools. “The contemporary design of these beautiful schools have been well planned with a big focus on indoor/outdoor connectivity” said Ms O’Riley.

Alison Colbeck, Principal Aldinga Payinthi College explained “this site has been built to provide a full opportunity for contemporary learning. We understood that the best learning environments are collaborative and not just within four walls, and that’s what has been designed and is now being built. Our pedagogical approach has been developed through use of space and has been informed by the build process.”

At both sites, the school builds include funding from Local Government to increase the size of onsite sporting facilities and provide the opportunity for ongoing community use. The schools have established Community Coalition groups, with Council and community representatives. “We’re working with this group to identify areas of need and opportunities to work with and support community groups. It’s a true partnership approach with mutually beneficial outcomes to really engage with the school site” said Ms Colbeck.

“I’m very excited and thrilled about the opportunity. To see this sort of investment in our community – this school will be incredibly beneficial; from the level of educational excellence we will deliver through to the broader, positive outcomes for the community. They haven’t just built a school, they’ve built a facility that’s for everyone” said Ms Colbeck.

A Step Forward For Sarah

As Project Director, Mr Layley is proud of how the Sarah team have worked together. “The way the whole business has rallied together to deliver two large projects, in terms of the sheer scale and at the same time, whilst also delivering other significant projects, including the $100M project at Whyalla, has been incredibly impressive. Across the board, Sarah has stepped up, to scale up.”

The success of the SA Schools PPP project symbolises another step forward for Sarah Constructions as a business. The ability to deliver larger value projects, while simultaneously managing other significant construction projects, signifies Sarah’s maturation and opens the door for more large scale, multi-site design and construct projects in the future.

To learn more about our capability or the SA Schools PPP project, contact us today.

Sarah Safety
News, Safety

Safety in Construction: Developing & Maintaining A Positive Safety Culture

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By Dena English, QHSE Manager

At Sarah Constructions, safety is a core component of successfully delivering projects – and it’s become a passion of mine.

As QHSE Manager, ensuring the safety of everyone who works at or with Sarah Constructions is my job but I’m not alone in taking responsibility for these outcomes. Sarah Constructions’ approach to safety comes from the top-down. It permeates from our directors and senior management through all levels of the business.

What is Sarah’s approach to safety in construction?

Here at Sarah, our safety motto is, “think about it, talk about it, care about it” and talking about it is central to the positive safety culture we’ve cultivated.

We are an open, communicative business. Collaboration is one of our core business values and where safety is concerned, it couldn’t be more important. We engage and communicate with stakeholders, sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure a safer workplace. We always report transparently to stakeholders and authorities. We encourage all workers to ask for advice when they’re unsure, to report all issues and make sure we’re learning and improving all the time.

Developing a procedure and blindly following it is not how we work. We are continually improving our safety practices with innovative thinking. For example, we use state-of-the-art electronic systems designed to get personnel out of the office and on to site safely. We have also started collaborating with universities for safety research purposes. This is an exciting new area for us and I look forward to the results derived from these partnerships.

Sarah PPE

Focus on education and putting people first

We also began the Sarah Trainee Safety Officer program in 2020. This was a new initiative to offer a structured pathway for individuals who are seeking to build a career in safety. It is often difficult to find an entry level position within safety, but our program gives participants that all-important foot in the door.

Trainees learn the fundamentals of site safety management over the course of 12 months while working with a Safety Officer mentor on a construction project. The program has been hugely successful, with both 2020 trainees being promoted to Safety Officers in 2021. We currently have 4 trainees who began the program in 2021.

Our commitment to safety aligns with our commitment to people. Safety is all about people, and our people-first approach means it’s therefore a part of everything we do. It’s part of every training program; from Cadets and Graduates to Trainee Supervisors and Trainee Safety Officers. It’s an agenda item at all meetings.

We can’t escape the systems and paperwork that are an inherent part of safety management, but it’s our people that make sure we are safe. It’s our people’s approach to safety that drives our positive safety culture and ensures it’s not just a ‘tick and flick’ exercise.

Ensuring safety is a passion, not a chore

“Without passion safety can be compromised. Passion is observing the system working. Passion is helping and observing peers grow in their profession.”
Jeremy Elvin (QHSE Advisor) 

Like a lot of people I know, I fell into working in safety. It’s not something I saw myself doing but I genuinely love it. I get huge job satisfaction through helping others, educating and solving problems. Our passion for keeping our workers safe makes Sarah a business a leader in this space.

What underpins this passion is the belief that all workplace injuries and incidents can be prevented. So everything we do is designed to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety—and of course we have the certifications to support this approach. Sarah has a comprehensive Work Health and Safety Management System (WHSMS) certified to ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, and accredited under the Federal Safety (OFSC) Accreditation Scheme.

To find out more about Work Health & Safety at Sarah Constructions, contact the team today.

Sarah Energy Pod
Education, Innovation, News

Sarah Solar Initiative: Saving 10 Tonnes of Co2 Per Year

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At Sarah Constructions, we continually look to make positive progress. Innovation is at the heart of our business. That’s why our staff have access to a range of in-house development programs, which encourage outside-the-box thinking and the trial of new business initiatives. It was through one of these programs that Project Manager, Melisha Willington, developed the concept for a site solar energy pod to improve sustainability on construction sites.

She said, “It’s a cliché but the driver was to make a difference, even in a small way to help the environment. The construction industry still has so much potential when it comes to sustainable initiatives and innovation and I know Sarah Constructions have more in store.”

What is the Solar Energy Pod?

Shipping containers are common on building sites and provide the ideal base for mounting solar panels – key reasons why Melisha’s idea was feasible. The dismantled frames and solar panels can be packed away inside the container on custom racks, enabling relocation to the next site. Once assembled, the free space within the container can be used as additional secure site storage or as a site office space.

The shipping container also provides opportunities for environmental awareness and the use of solar energy. At the Whyalla Secondary College construction site, where the first solar shipping container has been located, this translates to reaching large numbers of the local community and visitors to Whyalla, numerous subcontractors and stakeholders.

Bringing the idea to life

Sarah partnered with another South Australian owned company, NRG Solar, to bring the idea to life. Melisha said, “NRG were professional, passionate and couldn’t do more in sharing their knowledge and experience. NRG really understood the brief and were instrumental in delivering a fit for purpose solution.”

“What excited me about this project,” said Eddy May, NRG Solar Managing Director, “was working with an innovative company who are putting sustainability at the forefront of their projects. It’s a lofty but rewarding goal to want to build in a carbon neutral way. A big first step in achieving this goal is delivering a portable solution to allow the Sarah Constructions team to be self-sufficient for their energy needs. We have thoroughly enjoyed the collaborative process and we look forward to continuing this partnership with Sarah Constructions to create sustainable solutions together.”

It was late in 2020 that Sarah Constructions invested in implementing the idea. Melisha worked with NRG Solar to transform the initial concept design into a final engineered product, which involved the creation of an engineered tripod mounting system for the solar panels on the exterior of a 40ft shipping container. The design is engineered for wind region A terrain Category 1, meaning it can go almost anywhere in South Australia and withstand all weather conditions. It’s suitable for 1, 2 and 3 phase power connections.

The first operational solar shipping container located on-site in Whyalla has an 11.88kW system and is providing power to help run the large site office of the $100M school project.

There are 36No photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with 60m2 of surface area over two separate frames; one on the roof and one on the side of the container. Two inverters are installed within the container to convert the solar power generated into standard AC power.

Melisha is proud that her idea has been backed by the business and brought to fruition. “To have your idea supported in such a big way and see the finished product out on site is very encouraging,” she said.

The benefits of Sarah’s Solar Energy Pod?

The Sarah Solar Energy Pod will generate 16 megawatt hours of power per year or around $5K of savings per annum in power costs.

As for benefits to the environment, the container will save 10 tonnes of Co2 per year. This is equivalent to planting 150 trees.

An online/app dashboard is provided, displaying real time solar power production each day, along with other key statistics. On bright sunny days, the solar panels, which were largely paid for by government solar rebates, are in use up to 90% and more of their capacity. There is also scope to add solar battery storage.

The local high school students in Whyalla have been provided with a practical learning opportunity to visit the site, where Sarah team members explain how the solar container project works and its sustainability benefits, educating the community and inspiring the next generation of sustainability advocates.

“The students have had the opportunity to gain real world experience on an important community project that is relevant to their life and future,” said Andrew McLean, Design & Technology Teacher at Edward John Eyre High School. “The students’ learning at school becomes relevant through the observation of skills and knowledge in action on site”.

Here at Sarah, we’re all extremely proud of Melisha and everyone involved in the collaboration. “This project marks the start of our focussed sustainability journey,” said Terry Tsapaliaris, Sarah’s Operations Manager. “We will utilise our graduates to monitor energy use and continue to develop the technology whilst reviewing other sources of sustainable technology.”

You can read NRG Solar’s article on the project here.

To find out more about this project, Sarah’s sustainability or any of our other development initiatives, contact us today.

Careers, Community, Education

Cementing Opportunities Within Construction

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Foundations have been laid for a fantastic working relationship between local Edward John Eyre High School (EJEHS) students and the new Whyalla Year 7-12 Secondary School site currently in development. On Tuesday 17th November, a small group of Year 11 students enrolled within the school’s ACEE Program (Automotive, Construction, Electrotechnology, and Engineering) connected with our site Project Manager Terry Kildea, Site Supervisor Jack Croudace, and Construction Graduate Adrian Condello, to learn about the plans for the new site and undertake a tour while construction is well underway.

Under the guidance of their school program leaders, Belinda McEvoy and Megan Cox, the students undertook an immersive educational experience that highlighted both the practical intricacies involved in a multimillion dollar construction project, and discussed opportunities with our team that may present themselves within the world of, and pathways to, construction; and how best to maximise such opportunities when they present themselves.

With a similar career education and industry exposure opportunity in early December 2020 for Year 10 students from schools across the Whyalla Partnership who have been newly accepted into the EJEHS ACEE Program commencing next year, 2021 is looking exciting.

We’re looking forward to supporting various opportunities for students to put their program and VET learnings into practice in collaboration with our many subcontractors.

A very big thank you to our Project Manager Terry Kildea and his team, Hannah Taylor from the Department for Education Vocational Learning and Pathways directorate, and also to David Marino, Principal at EJEHS, and his team for engaging and working so effectively together to support and promote opportunities within the construction industry for school students.

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Careers, News

People At The Centre Of Sustainable Growth

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Over the past five decades, Sarah has maintained deliberate and strategic growth. This growth has been built on the foundation that if a business is made up of skilled, well-developed people, it will foster a well-developed and sustainable business. A business with longevity. With the right people and the right core structures in place, Sarah continues to deliver excellence for its clients.

From delivering the $52 Million Carmelite Aged Care Facility and $80 Million Minda Masterplan Development in 2018 to most recently successfully securing the $230 Million South Australian Schools PPP project; over recent years, Sarah has taken deliberate and strategic steps to increase its capability in the size and complexity of the projects it delivers.

Building a framework for developing the best people

For Adrian Esplin, winning the PPP job is the outcome of four years of foundational work. “We’ve created a structure at Sarah that can support, mentor, empower and develop the right people. For a business that has around 170 on the ground staff, you need the structures in place to organise resources in the right way, that will not only train them but also help sustain them” Adrian explains.

“One of the key strategies for me over the past three to four years has been bolstering our senior management strength. Since I initially started at Sarah, we now have a much more robust and sustainable senior management structure” says Adrian.

Attracting and retaining future talent

Alongside the improved management structure, Sarah has also successfully implemented Graduate, Site Supervisor and Safety Officer Training Programs.

Adrian takes a big picture approach to developing a Graduate Program at Sarah. “For me it’s about sustaining the industry. We need to take more of an establishment view, a view of the greater good; we can’t always be picking off the tree. Sometimes you’ve got to fertilise it, water it and grow it for the greater good of the industry. Developing graduates regardless of if they will stay at Sarah, will always reward the industry as a whole, like nurturing plants because you end up with more fruit,” explains Adrian.

With the success of the Graduate Program, the Site Supervisor Program was then developed. “The new program has been a resounding success,” says Adrian. “Participants include a range of people from different backgrounds, typically from a trade background but wanting to do something different. They’ve been in the industry but not as a building foreperson or supervisor. So at the end of 18 months in the program, many have benefited from significant professional development and are now working as Site Supervisors.”

There’s also no shortage of replacement participants in Sarah programs either. HR Manager, Stefan Popovic, explains:

“We know people love working at Sarah, because we get so many referrals from our staff. We don’t need to run an internal referral program; people just really enjoy the culture and opportunities we provide. Our strong referral network coupled with our increasing reputation as an employer of choice in the industry, means that we are constantly meeting with capable and talented individuals, looking to get involved.”

“This provides us with a unique opportunity to blend career progression and development with the onboarding of new talent into the business, the outcome of which is more jobs for South Australians. A great outcome for all,”  explains Stefan.

Future Focused Career Fulfilment

Ongoing learning and development is high on Sarah’s agenda, says Stefan. “We run graduate, trainee supervisor and trainee safety officer programs for those looking at getting into the construction industry. We also run a professional development series and training calendar for existing staff, aimed at knowledge sharing and addressing common areas of interest.”

“Wherever possible, we look at ways for our senior employees to pass on their knowledge to those just starting out in their careers.” The unique Sarah Constructions culture is at the heart of this supportive and collaborative learning environment.

“Our culture is our source of competitive advantage,” says Stefan. “It’s underpinned by our values and our belief that relationships are key to a successful construction business. We make sure that all new employees share in this belief before they join us and we continue to embed these values throughout the employment lifecycle. It starts with the way we treat each other, our clients and our contractors. This begins at the top and is championed at all levels of the organisation.”

Sarah’s Management team is committed to the ongoing development of Sarah’s people and, in turn, the strategic sustainability of the business. Adrian Esplin explains, “that’s one of the biggest drivers for me. I’m motivated by thinking, what do I need to be putting in place now so that in three years, our people can be having as much professional development and career fulfilment as they are now?”

If you’re looking to take that next step in your career, contact the Sarah HR team today at hr@sarah.com.au.

Education, News

UniSA Grants Program: Supporting The Future Of Construction

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By Jon Anderson

During my time at University, work placement was not included as a course component, so it wasn’t until I entered the workforce that I was able to gain practical site experience. For today’s students, the UniSA Grants Program provides a hands-on opportunity to work with Sarah Constructions and gain practical experience, working in construction as a unit of their studies. 

Over the 12 week program, we involve students on a number of different commercial construction projects, providing exposure to multiple departments and experiences; giving them a head-start in their career by getting them out of the classroom and into real-life job scenarios. For the students that have potential and are a good cultural fit, the grants program can extend into longer term career progression for them, through transition into our Graduate program. A pathway that we are very proud to offer at Sarah, to help foster and develop the next generation of construction professionals.

Applying For The UniSA Grants Program

When you apply for a job later in life, it’s common that you have a network of people who know you and you’re work history. Through previous work experience, you have developed referees and people who can provide a more complete overview of who you are and what you can offer. Where as students are brand new to the industry and don’t have that network, so our collaboration with UniSA helps make sure we get a complete picture of who they are, when they’re applying for the grant positions.

We achieve this additional insight that might traditionally come from an applicants referees, by including a UniSA representative on our interview panel. The UniSA faculty staff knows the student candidates, can act as their referee and provide a greater depth of knowledge on the students potential. This collaboration provides beneficial insight, as often interviews don’t give us a complete understanding of a person. Having someone who can vouch for them and tell us what they’re like away from the interview environment, help us make informed choices, and we’ve made strong selections as a result.

Benefits Of Participating In The UniSA Grants Program

All students eligible for the grant have to complete 12 weeks of work experience as part of their degree. One of the real benefits of our program is that we support our students by making sure they’re paid for the time they spend with us. This also demonstrates to the students that we value their time and input. They’re not just someone doing work experience – we are genuinely invested in their contribution and we value the opportunity to work with them, as much as they do us.

While they’re at Sarah, we make sure participating students get a broad range of experience. They’ll be guided through the tender process, learn first-hand from our expert design team, and spend time on a variety of different sites, working on a range of different projects. Building is a very tangible process, and we like to deliver solid practical experience that will provide genuine benefits to the students in their final year of study. I know from first-hand experience that there’s only so much you can learn through study. Hands-on experience makes for a much stronger graduate, which not only benefits the individuals, but also the industry as a whole.

Paul Schultz was one of our successful grant recipients in 2018, and who is still with Sarah, participating in our Graduate Program. A great piece of feedback I had from him was around the assignment of his mentor, Evan Kellaris, with whom he ‘felt like he won the jackpot’. After his 12-weeks with us he said he had a much better understanding of the industry and because of that, he was able to better grasp the principles he is studying at university.

“Even though the Senior Managers at Sarah are incredibly busy, they always take the time to answer my questions and give me the help I need. Within industry, sub contractors for example, love working for Sarah and I think this comes down to the values and Sarah culture. Everyone helps everyone, it is absolutely a collaborative team environment. At Sarah it’s about building positive relationships and this approach trickles down from the very top. The experience has been amazing and I would 100% recommend it.” Paul Schultz

Career Progression After UniSA Grants Program

When we bring someone onboard with this program, we’re not just thinking about the next 12-weeks. We’re looking to invest in someone and to build a long-term relationship. So, if a student shows the right attitude, there’s a real opportunity for longer term career progression, which benefits everyone involved. It’s great for the student because they have a job lined up before they’ve even finished their degree, and we see ourselves getting the best the market has to offer.

Since we started the program, we’ve seen most of our students take those extra steps. More often than not the paid grant program has turned into a cadetship, which has then turned into a full-time position with us in our graduate program. 

I think the success of the UniSA grants program really shows how much we can all benefit by investing our time and energy into the next generation. The students, and therefore our industry as a whole, will all be that much stronger, for the time and commitment we put into our students of today.

Information on eligibility for the program and application requirements can be found on UniSA’s scholarship page for the Division of Information Technology, Engineering, and the Environment.

Pembroke_Presentations_Y6_Sarah_Construcitons
Education

Pembroke School – Environmental Sustainability and the New Middle School Building

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Successful construction is ultimately about delivering end user satisfaction while ensuring best practices are used to maximise the lifecycle and sustainability of the building. What better way to achieve this outcome than to engage with the end users themselves – the students who will move into the space next year!

Sarah Constructions are currently building Pembrokes New Middle School Building and have engaged the Pembroke Y6 students – who will be the first to occupy the building – as consultants during the construction process. This innovative addition to the curriculum saw Project Manager, Paul Marino, and Design Manager, Michael Kilmartin, work with the students over 3 workshops to answer the question:

‘How can we build a sustainable building within a residential area?’

The students were required to analyse the build in order to develop suggestions and alternatives for potential inclusion into their new building and provide feedback to us – the builder – in order to increase the overall sustainability of the project.

The task was set to choose a focus topic from a range of options across Design & Post Construction (Water, Energy, Material, Surroundings, Functionality) or Pre-Construction & During Construction (Project Environmental Management Plans, Dust & Material Tracking, Air Quality, Traffic, Erosion, Chemicals, Noise, Vibration and Rubbish etc).

Providing a different dimension to their usual curriculum, this exercise enabled the students to adapt their skills in alternate ways. Care was given to ensure the students were able to ‘think outside the box’ to find their own solutions; they were guided in the right direction, not led, and this approach produced some fantastic results. We received well researched, engaging presentations on their chosen focus topics –Native Planting, Water Wastage and Management, Energy Usage, Solar Power, Optimising Functionality, Sustainable and Local Materials, Recycled furniture, Recycling, Composting and Climate Change…just to name a few!

A real understanding of some complex topics was shown. Many groups identified real-world cost impacts; understanding buying in bulk to reduce unit pricing, calculating initial costs vs. ongoing costs, and balancing them with the environmental benefits of their chosen subject demonstrating an understanding beyond their years.

We only realise the value of water after the source runs dry. The importance of water and rainwater collection was clearly demonstrated, with a highlight being Layla’s working model of a rain water tank and sump pump. Not only were the practical benefits made clear, it was cost planned too – it doesn’t take long for a rain water tank to pay for itself!

We also learnt that the initial cost outlay for replacing the school’s standard taps with sensor taps would be well worth it in the long run for both the environmental benefits and the reduced water bills -thanks to Ty and Max!

 “Our students were so excited to take part in this project and have found this experience invaluable for future investigations.” Nicola May, Teacher – Pembroke School

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Pembroke Students Laila and Charlie present their working sump pump and rain water tank model

 Our Future vs. Aesthetics. What is more important?

The undercurrent of the day was the understanding that small changes really can make a difference; there was a realisation that our decisions and the choices we make can have a far-reaching impact and an understanding that our actions have value – just because it’s the way it has always been done, doesn’t mean it’s the way it should always be done. Stewart, Zachary and Rory’s presentation reminded us that even though we are a small part of the world as a whole, ‘we can still save the world with small sustainable changes.’

 “I think all the ideas were fantastic. A majority of the suggestions will be incorporated within the building in some shape or form which demonstrates how well the students undertook their research. In particular I liked the ideas of having compost bins for the removal of any fruit or vegetable scraps students would throw away which gave the school the ability to use as fertilizer etc. Also, the real demonstration of how a rainwater tank could be utilized within the building was impressive!”
Paul Marino, Senior Project Manager – Sarah Constructions

All of the students were confident in their approach and had a great understanding of their subjects. Innovative ideas were raised – many of which are already being included in the project – and they all demonstrated a fantastic ability to work as a team.

The manner in which the students presented and the level of detail and understanding shown was a credit to Pembroke and their collaboration with the Sarah team in the implementation of this program.

Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they managed to bring suggestions to the table that we had not yet heard of! Ashcrete, for example. A more sustainable alternative to concrete (which creates up to 5% of the worlds CO2 emissions), is made from 97% of recycled materials and is carbon neutral!

Sustainability is a growth sector for a number of commercial markets and an area of future education and potential employment for the students.

Through the delivery of this program we hope that we have sparked some interest in our industry – and inspired some of our future construction leaders! With some students already focusing on optimising the functionality and use of space within their new building, Architecture and Design may well provide a potential career path. This process has been a two-way journey whereby the students have learnt from us, but equally, we have learnt from them. Project Manager Paul shared that seeing the excitement on their faces, and knowing he played a small part in creating this amazing building, has provided him with personal and professional satisfaction. “This project with the students got me out of my comfort zone but it was such a rewarding experience.”

We look forward to seeing what changes Pembroke look to implement across the School as practical completion and handover draws closer, such as the suggestion for composting bins and new recycling initiatives.

The success of this project, and the value provided to both the School and to our team, has inspired us to encourage other clients – which could extend beyond the education sector – to utilise their construction projects as an opportunity for engagement and education.

We hope that participating in this project will not only provide the students with a greater connection to their new learning space, but that this process has made an impact on the way they approach building and sustainability in the future.

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Pembroke Students Lucy and Emily Presenting Green Futures
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Education

Collaboration And Long Term Planning, The Future Of Education Construction

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By Jon Anderson, Construction Manager

As a specialist in Education Construction, and on-site Construction Manager at the University of Adelaide, I take a keen interest in the future of education construction. In recent years, I have witnessed the education landscape being reshaped by globalisation and the digital revolution.

Students are increasingly conducting their lives through social media and online services and they now expect educational institutions to communicate with them online too. Education infrastructure of today therefore needs to not only include state-of-the-art equipment for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects; education spaces must also be updated to accommodate contemporary trends in delivery.

Governments are investing millions to upgrade and build new educational facilities to match these changes; and savvy education institutions are adopting a collaborative approach with master builders, including long term planning to future-proof their property.

In order to capitalise on this investment, we need to understand that Infrastructure is interconnected; each building upgrades impacts stakeholders and operations from one facility to the next. If construction experts are involved in the early stages of planning, the impacts can be taken into consideration long before any works begin.

It’s about collaborating to give the client the right advice to future-proof for the next wave of technology.

The future of education construction

Long term planning

With a dynamic and forward facing approach, the University of Adelaide (UoA) also looks to be at the leading edge of education construction. UoA has a Masterplan, a vision for the future of their institution up to 2035. By adopting sequential long term planning with early involvement from Sarah Constructions, UoA infrastructure upgrades can be mapped out as a programme of works, not just as individual projects.

This approach delivers a streamlined process and ultimately saves money. With foresight and planning, we’re able to add value to the design development process by proposing constructability improvements and future-proof efficiencies.

With a commitment to facilities that allows students to learn and grow, St Johns Grammar Performing Arts Centre provides another example of success through early planning. Sarah had considerable input into the design and worked closely with the architects from the beginning, researching and coordinating affordable design solutions that remained faithful to the overall vision.

It was due to this close collaboration and expert cost management that savings could be made and redistributed to afford what other builders deemed impossible within their budget: A light, open plan learning centre, complete with top of the range equipment and the “wow” factor of a spectacular atrium.

Collaboration

Education institutions, by their very nature, are all about the future. They’re in the business of nurturing our next inventors, politicians, teachers and builders. It’s important to recognise that life now is a little different to back when we were in school. The internet, computers and mobile technology have changed the world we live in, almost beyond recognition.

Personally, I believe this evolution has largely been for the better. As globalisation and IT has developed, we have become more connected and therefore more collaborative. Processes have been made faster and easier; we can do more and so we expect more. The future of education construction needs to reflect these changes and leave room for further development.

With the Margaret Ames Learning Centre at Immanuel College, a key requirement of the brief was to foster collaboration. To encourage students in original thinking, the learning centre included open plan learning areas, interconnecting classrooms plus first class IT and AV capabilities. Immanuel College has embraced future focused thinking; their new centre was the first secondary teaching space of its kind in South Australia.

Similarly, the new Common Teaching Area and breakout space in the Barr Smith Building at UoA showcases the kind of flexible learning environments that are needed to be future-ready. Multipurpose rooms suitable for classes in anything from Japanese Language to Forensic Science, coupled with an unconventional, open plan breakout space, keeps UoA at the cutting-edge of education and maintains appeal within their target markets.

Welcome to the future

It’s not just collaborative learning environments that pave the way for the future. It’s collaborative business operations too. At Sarah Constructions, we enjoy less contractual, more collaborative relationships, because we understand that we’re all experts in our respective fields.

Delivering great outcomes requires input from experts across industry which is why we take a collaborative approach with our consultants. In the same way as it benefits the client to involve us as early as possible, it benefits us to involve our consultants and sub-contractors as early as possible as well. We believe that the sooner people come on board and become familiar with your operations, the better.

Taking a long term planning approach to Education Construction means you can map out a pragmatic and proactive process for realising your vision in the most efficient, cost-effective way. With early involvement from construction experts, you’re beginning that process of growth and transformation on the front foot, armed with the practical expertise of a team that specialises in turning visions into lasting legacies.

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Education

St Mary’s College – Embracing Construction

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St Mary’s College have embraced the project currently underway at their School, working with us to gain as many positives as possible out of the experience for their students. Taking note of the interest shown by some of the students while the footings were being drilled (see image below), School Principal Clare Nocka arranged for our Project Manager Jay Johnson and Site Manager Bojan Stegnjaic to take the hot seat and sit down for an interview with the girls!

“We found out that we are about 15% of the way through the project and that the hardest part is building on the intersection of two main roads. We also learnt that just like in our school, one of the challenges is managing all the relationships involved in such a big project. One of Jay’s jobs is to keep everyone happy and there are lots of people involved. A building project in a school environment brings particular complexities because keeping the students safe and the school running is an important factor.

Bojan and Jay managed the interview hot seat very graciously and we are thankful for how well our builders are working with our school team. Maddie, Edie and Arabella were very good interviewers, even in their excitement! They were disappointed to learn that they would not get a chance to drive one of the giant machines but I think they enjoyed the experience nonetheless.”

The team at Sarah strive to ensure that our clients not only love the completed project, but also the journey they take to get there. We hope that taking an active part in this experience inspires some of the St Mary’s College girls to consider construction as a career – they might even get the opportunity to drive some of the ‘giant machines’ in the future!