Working to support yourself through university is a rite of passage, and while most students have little choice but to work in an unrelated industry to make ends meet, imagine being able to step into a paid role in your chosen field, be mentored by senior professionals and gain real-world experience. A.G. Coombs work placements provide the opportunity to contribute to legacy projects, expand your technical skills and potentially transition to full-time, meaningful employment once you have completed your studies. A.G. Coombs placements aren’t just part-time jobs — they are the foundation of your future career.

Creating pathways for the next generation of industry professionals

Over its 75+ years history, the A.G. Coombs Group has always forged links with the next generation of industry professionals by offering varied apprenticeships, graduate programs and work placements — providing clear pathways to skill development and leadership across its many departments and business units.

Recently, the university student Work Placement Program has expanded to additional pathways. In late 2023, the unique A.G. Coombs program was established by the Project Management team in conjunction with A.G. Coombs’ HR team to attract students who want to learn the fundamentals of project management and potentially pursue a career in that field.

The inaugural recruits are 3 engineering students hailing from Swinburne University, RMIT University and Monash University in Victoria.

Real-world experience that money can’t buy

Alex Kubenko is a third-year mechanical engineering student at RMIT University. He started working with A.G. Coombs in late 2023 and his 3 month placement which saw him being immersed in the Project Management team has now been extended to 12 months. With his course based in Melbourne’s CBD, it’s just a quick tram ride to the site office in between classes where he currently works 20 to 24 hours a week with a high level of flexibility.

“Getting experience in the field is something that money can’t buy, and prospective employers are looking for that. Completing a whole project and learning the entire structure from the ground up is priceless and will look great on my resume. To be 21 and actively working on the Metro Tunnel Project is something to be proud of,” said Alex.

“After a few months of shadowing my coach, I now understand so much more and have taken on greater responsibilities, like a mini-project manager. I like the creative aspect of engineering and I’m a problem solver, but the more I’m here, the more I realise that I’m good with people which is key to being a successful project manager. I feel that I can be a leader in that way,” he added.

A paid placement with agreed KPIs and measures of success

Each placement is designed to leverage the skills and knowledge of the individual student – from learning the basics to more strategic project planning. As a work placement candidate, the student will shadow a senior project manager who is assigned to them for the duration of their placement.

The work is structured with set key performance indicators established that outline exactly what they will learn and what they need to achieve, from client liaison to how to put a contract variation together.

The onboarding process for A.G. Coombs work placements is almost the same as for permanent employees, with a full safety induction, meeting and greeting internal stakeholders across the business and forming wider relationships in the market with clients, suppliers and contractors.

A.G. Coombs – The Place to Work

“Ideally we are seeking students in at least their third year of mechanical engineering, project management, or other engineering degrees who demonstrate a high level of aptitude and interest, who will share our values and have the potential to make a meaningful contribution,” said Imran Khan, Operations Manager, Victoria Projects and advocate of the A.G. Coombs Project Management Work Placement Program.

“Not only is A.G. Coombs ‘The Place to Work’ — it is also the place to ‘earn while you learn,’ and a steppingstone to a rewarding career being guided by industry experts who will mentor you along your professional journey,” he added.

Participate in some of Victoria’s landmark projects

“The benefits of undertaking an A.G. Coombs Project Management Work Placement are extensive. As the next generation of industry leaders, these students will be exposed to every aspect of project management and mentored by arguably some of the best project management professionals in the sector. They get to work directly with builders, track progress on site and be part of landmark projects, like the Metro Tunnel Project Alex is working on,” Imran commented.

“The rewards work both ways. Being able to share their knowledge by mentoring younger people means that our senior managers are getting as much out of the program as those under their guidance,” he added.

Join the A.G. Coombs Project Management team

With placement periods varying from 3 to 12 months, we are keen to increase the program intake via a wider range of engineering students – ideally those specialising in mechanical services – placed on a cyclical basis. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply directly via the Contact Us page or email  recruitment@agcoombs.com.au