With a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Canberra already under her belt and a near completed Bachelor of Building and Construction Management, 22 year old local Timnit Tessema jumped at the chance to put her training into practise with leading global contractor, Multiplex.
Early in 2016, Multiplex commenced construction on the new University of Canberra Public Hospital (UCPH) on the corner of Aikmen Drive and Ginninderra Drive adjacent to the University campus.
Multiplex committed to offer local students and graduates the opportunity to join its graduate and cadet programs to develop construction skills in a mentoring atmosphere on the $139 million major public infrastructure project.
Timnit Tessema was awarded a graduate cadetship with Multiplex in 2016. The program has exposed her to the whole construction process through a six monthly role rotation, which has seen Timnit manage documentation control, enter the site safety cadet role and currently conduct on-site firewall safety checks. She will soon move on to assisting in the completion works.
“The program has been a huge learning curve for me. I’ve been lucky to have a really supportive team and they’re always including me and spurring me on to work even harder,” said Timnit.
“With my studies I’ve learnt to draw, understand and interpret plans but it is pretty incredible to actually see drawings come to life. Being a Canberra local, it will also be exciting to drive past the completed project knowing that I contributed to this community,” she said.
“Multiplex has always been receptive to discussions about my future plans and goals and I’ve actually been asked to continue working with them after this project. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to further my career with the company.”
Completion of UCPH is scheduled for mid-2018 and the Hospital will provide, at full capacity, for up to 140 overnight beds, 75 day spaces for admitted patients as well as specialised outpatient services.
Designed by Multiplex in collaboration with ACT Health, UCPH is a pioneer in the health sector, representing is the first time a hospital in the ACT has been purpose-built for subacute services. The intent is to improve the quality of care while also taking pressure off major hospitals, enabling them to focus on acute services like emergency treatment and surgery.
UCPH will focus entirely on sub-acute services, such as rehabilitation and mental health services, and will also provide inpatient and day and ambulatory services as well as a hydrotherapy pool. It will also be a teaching facility, allowing for valuable practical training and greater teaching and research opportunities between the University of Canberra and ACT Health.