Construction students gain hands-on experience through internships
Three construction students at our Auckland International Campus are getting real-world experience and learning from industry professionals through their internships with Fire Guard Fire Stopping Services.
Ishara Battage says the internship is already a highlight of her study experience.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a bridge between academic learning and real-world practice. I鈥檓 able to apply the concepts and skills we鈥檝e studied over the past blocks to actual industry work.鈥�
She鈥檚 gaining valuable insight into the role of a Quantity Surveyor, working on tasks like quantity take-offs, cost estimation, reviewing project documentation, and understanding how Quantity Surveyors contribute to the success of a project.
鈥淢ost importantly, I鈥檓 learning directly from experienced professionals, which is helping me grow both technically and professionally.鈥�
She says working and learning alongside classmates at the internship has made the experience even more rewarding.
鈥淲e all bring different perspectives and support each other through the learning process,鈥� she says.
Yojan Paneru says the internship has been an eye-opening experience, which has made it much easier to visualise and understand class activities and assignments by connecting theory to real-life applications.
The opportunity to experience what it's like to work as a professional has been exciting and motivating.
鈥淭his internship has helped me realise how vast and dynamic the construction industry really is,鈥� says Yojan.
鈥淥ne of the most rewarding parts has been the opportunity to interact with experienced professionals. They鈥檙e always willing to answer my questions and help deepen my understanding.鈥�
Yojan also enjoys the positive work environment and says the people he works with are incredibly friendly and supportive.
鈥淓very day, they make sure I learn something new, and that constant encouragement makes me look forward to coming in each day.鈥�
鈥淭his experience is giving me a clearer vision of the career I鈥檓 stepping into and preparing me with the practical tools and confidence I鈥檒l need to thrive in the industry.鈥�
Kevini Dharmadasa says the internship has helped her understand construction practices, especially in relation to fire safety, which plays a vital role in building compliance.
She鈥檚 appreciated the opportunity to apply what she has been learning in the classroom to real projects.
鈥淚 have been able to participate in activities that require me to be practical-minded, and I have had a glimpse of how precise and interactive the working environment can be,鈥� she says.
Kevini says staff have been very accommodating and will go out of their way to make everything understandable.
鈥淭he internship is providing me with a great basis for a future in quantity surveying and is also making me realise how a student can make a real impact on the world.鈥�
The students all expressed thanks to the incredible team at Fire Guard for welcoming them, sharing their knowledge, and helping to shape the foundation of their future careers.
