Priscilla Tangu’s dream of becoming a construction site engineer became reality due to her dedication to complete her studies, and the support and encouragement of her family and her employer.
Originally from East Sepik but raised in Lae, Morobe Province, Priscilla had strong family support to pursue her dream. Priscilla’s father – a builder – encouraged her to be qualified and work in a professional role. He motivated her to attend university and complete her degree.
“After my third year, I withdrew from studies to take care of my son and pursue a different career. Seeing my former school mates continue their education, graduate, and join the workforce – something I was passionate about, made me realise that I needed to get my degree. It was then I decided to return to university, complete my studies (fourth year), and get my degree. My parents and my partner were supportive of me,” said Priscilla.
In 2019, Priscilla commenced a 1-year Industrial Training placement with CPB Contractors, while still studying. During her four years with CPB Contractors, Priscilla honed her skills on a large construction site and progressed from an under-graduate engineer to a junior engineer role after she graduated with a Bachelor of Building from PNG University of Technology in 2020.
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Throughout her busy day, Priscilla checks works on site for quality, work progress, and safety.
During that time, Priscilla worked on the ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment, supported by the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership to transform the health facility and improve service delivery at the hospital. With more than K500 million invested, it is the largest single Australian-funded infrastructure investment since PNG’s independence and is underpinned by new urban and rural health facilities in the province.
Priscilla’s typical workday under the current project is busy.
“My daily routine varies and usually starts with attending our daily pre-start safety briefing with the entire site crew. After the pre-start, I provide details, or any information required to the leading hand or the site supervisor to ensure the work is carried out correctly and safely. Throughout the day, I check works on site against construction drawings, check for quality, work progress, safety and I also do ‘take-offs’ (quantity checks) for building materials for procurement both locally and overseas,” she said.
Priscilla has learnt much about new technologies and approaches in the construction industry, including software, equipment, and methodology. She credits her colleagues for the knowledge gained during her four years on site.
“My Australian counterparts that I’ve worked with taught me the ropes of doing construction Quality Assurance, explained the services side of building construction, and enriched my knowledge in Contract Administration, costing and quantity surveying. My managers also taught me a lot and one of those lessons was the importance of planning,” she added.
Initially, one of Priscilla’s concerns was how she would fit in as a woman in the construction industry, knowing that it was male dominated. In PNG, women account for approximately 10% of the construction industry.
With CPB Contractors’ commitment to gender equality and equity in the workplace, Priscilla felt supported, giving her confidence to do her job without fear of discrimination. Another challenge was balancing work and family life. She is fortunate to work with a supportive company, and a strong support system at home has also made life easier.
In the next 10 years, Priscilla sees herself pursing a Master of Construction Management, managing a construction project, and eventually teaching at the local university to share her knowledge and experience.
Priscilla’s message to upcoming graduates, especially women joining the construction industry, is that it is demanding so requires commitment and discipline, but it is rewarding to bring an abstract item, such as drawings on paper, to life.
“For someone who loves challenges, the construction industry is the right industry for you. I’ve worked with women who are electricians, plumbers, crane operators, quantity surveyors, contract administrators, and engineers and they are thriving in this male dominated industry. So, if all these women can do it, then you can too. Just be confident, be willing to learn, and have an open mind to criticism,” said Priscilla.
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