Future Fitouts: Response to Selection Criteria for Project Cadet

This report presents a student's response to selection criteria for a Project Cadet position at Future Fitouts Limited. The student details their involvement in licensing and compliance, organizing trades, contract administration, project planning, and construction management. The response highlights the development of key skills such as attention to detail, communication, budget preparation, teamwork, and problem-solving. The report uses the STAR-L model to discuss the application of generic and technical skills, including construction management, verbal and written communication, and attention to detail. The student reflects on their work-integrated learning placement, demonstrating their ability to manage projects, coordinate trades, and ensure quality outcomes. The report also includes spider-web diagrams assessing skill proficiency before and after the placement and concludes with a discussion of professional growth opportunities.

Running head: RESPONSE TO SELECTION CRITERIA 1
Response to the Selection Criteria
Name
Institution Affiliation

RESPONSE TO THE SELECTION CRITERIA 2
Cover letter
Project Cadet -Future Fitouts Limited
As a project cadet, I am involved in ensuring the licensing and compliance requirements
are met before any project starts. I am tasked with assisting in organizing trades as well as
contract administration. Furthermore, I am involved in team project planning and management
that encompass labour and material procurement and preparing budget estimates.
In response to the selection criteria, I have discussed my participation in licensing and
compliance information scrutiny, organizing trades, contract administration, project planning,
and construction management. I have learned and developed a keen eye to details,
communicating effectively, budget preparations, cost management, teamwork, and problem-
solving skills. In the response, I have reflected my involvement in project management activities
such as seeking compliance for food fit-outs, preparing budget and sourcing trades in health
Centre construction fit-outs, administration of contracts and teamwork in organizing and
coordinating trades.

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1.0 Introduction
This response to the selection criteria discusses the skills I have acquired during my work
integrated learning (WIL) placement. The selection criteria section focuses on the response to
two generic and two technical skills to a potential employment opportunity within the industry
basing my host organization as my recent employer. The section responds to individual selection
criteria of the generic and technical skills using the STAR portion of the STAR-L model
discussing the activities I was involved in during my placement. The second section provides
spider-web diagrams addressing the development of five generic and five technical skills
recommended for the industry and, assessing the proficiency levels before and after the
placement. Lastly, the discussion section addresses the improvement and the growth of the
mentioned skills highlighting the skills development activities and their impacts during my
placement. The discussion focuses on the learning portion of the STAR-L model as well as
elaborating desired opportunities and activities that I will undertake to grow professionally while
serving the position.
I am currently undertaking a bachelor’s degree in Urban Development majoring in
construction management. The studies will lead to professional qualification as a construction
project manager in the construction industry. I undertook my work integrated learning placement
at the Future Fitouts Limited. Future Fitouts Company offers a wide range of services to clients
including project management of small or high-end commercial projects that involves securing
all necessary certification, arranging for construction works, managing team and timely
completion of projects (Future Fitouts, 2010). During my placement at Future Fitouts, I worked
as a project Cadet. My roles involved the ensuring compliance and licensing of the construction
work before commencement of projects, assisting in the organization of trades and contract
administration. Further, I was involved in team project planning and construction management.
2.0 Selection Criteria
2.1 Generic Skills
2.1.1 Strong attention to details
“To succeed in the role, you will have strong attention to details.” The Buildcorp limited
seeks to fill the position of a Site Manager-fit-out, based in Brisbane. The job description
includes managing OHS compliance and quality projects (BuildCorp, 2018).
2.1.1.1 Situation
During my work integrated learning placement as a project cadet with the Future Fitouts
limited, I have developed and used my high attention to details skills while carrying out my
tasks. Project managers’ attention to details is fundamental for the successful execution of
projects (Kerzner & Kerzner, 2017). A keen eye to details enables project managers to plan for a

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project, schedule work, prepare budgets, establish needed trades and meet all the approval and
compliance requirements. Attention to details skills for a project manager allows for analysis of
compliance, choice of best alternatives and guides the activities for a successful project.
2.1.1.2 Task
As a Project Cadet, one of the key roles involved ensuring all compliance and licensing
requirements are met before any project would kick-off. During all the projects that the Future
Fitouts Company was involved in, I ensured that all the licensing details and compliance
requirements are met for approval. Notably, I was tasked to the take-up of a food premises fit-out
project and ensure it starts promptly. On behalf of the Company, I had to arrange for all the
necessary approval requirements to start and finish the project within the given time. Before the
construction of a food fit-out premise, the builders and all professionals must seek approval
before commencing construction (Australian Government, 2018). The approval requirements
include the provision of different plans encompassing all the necessary information to the local
authorities for assessment and approval.
2.1.1.3 Action
As the project cadet tasked with ensuring compliance and licensing requirements are met.
I went through the project proposal decoding all the necessary requirements and the compliance
needed for the company to start working on the project. I interrogated the information given by
the principal client to evaluate if all the information that would be required was provided. During
this task, I looked out for the client’s name, the proposed business name and the business nature
of operations as well as a list of processing activities and types of food. The information would
help in drafting and submission of a plan for approval of the construction. Further, I provided
key measurement and scale drawing information to the architect for the effective drawing of
plans.
2.1.1.4 Results
By the end of two weeks, I had all the relevant licensing and compliance requirements
submitted to the Queensland local authorities and the project was approved for construction. On
behalf of Future Fitouts, I provide professional project management services that involve total
management such as dealing with certifiers and managing approvals.
2.1.2 Excellent verbal and written communication skills
“To succeed in this role, you must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills”.
Buildcorp limited seeks to fill the position of a Site Manager-fit-out. The job description includes
coordinating sub-contractors and trades (BuildCorp, 2018).
2.1.2.1 Situation

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During my work integrated learning placement at Future Fitouts Company, I have
effectively communicated to all stakeholders verbally and in writing for direction or responses
during the interactions. I communicated with my colleagues, my seniors, and clients during
contracts administration, responses to clients’ queries and claims. Project and site managers must
engage in all dimensions of communication skills to enhance their leadership skills and guide a
successful project (Hwang, Zhao & Do, 2014). While carrying out their duties, Project and site
managers must engage in critical listening, communicate orally and through writing.
2.1.2.2 Task
As a project cadet, I was involved in contract administration of all the projects that Future
Fitouts Company was involved in. The role required me to engage with clients to understand
their requirements for the projects and enter into a contract with them. Moreover, I engaged the
sub-contractors to brief them of the task at hand, evaluate their capability and negotiate the
effective delivery of their services. Further, the role required me to write and facilitate the
signing of contracts among all the parties. Notably, I engaged in contracts negotiations, drafting
and signing the agreement with sub-contractors. Site managers’ roles revolve around effective
communication skills that allow engagement with stakeholders (Lavikka, Smeds & Jaatinen,
2015). Communication allows project managers to strike a rapport with staffs, communicate with
clients, contractors, and other trades. Hence, successful construction managers must be proficient
in communication both verbally and written.
2.1.2.3 Action
To successfully conduct the administration of contracts, I ensured a timely one-on-one
meeting with clients to understand their requirement and preference before getting into a
contract. During the meetings, I engaged in critical listening to comprehend the requirements of
the clients. Further, I talked the clients through the construction requirements from the company
side and the demands the client must meet in a clear and succinct manner. I ensured to use
simple language to respond to questions. During the role, I actively participated in the writing
and reviewing of contracts before signing with the clients. Moreover, I ensured the writing of the
contracts in a simple and clear language understood by every stakeholder. Construction project
managers must have effective communication skills to engage in effective corporate
communication and enhance customer experiences (Senaratne & Ruwanpura, 2016).
Consequently, effective communication skills are paramount for successful project managers
who have to relate with staffs, clients, contractors and other stakeholders such as the
government.
2.1.2.4 Results
By the end of every meeting with clients and contractors, we agreed on the terms of the
contracts and signed an agreement as a result of effective communication exchange. Through my

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effective verbal and written communication skills, Future Fitouts Company has maintained an
effective relationship with all stakeholders and broadens the contractors and clients base.
2.2 Technical Skills
2.2.1 Construction management skills
“To succeed in this role, you have to possess qualifications and experience in construction
management”. Buildcorp limited seeks to fill the position of a Site Manager-fit-out. The job
description includes leading the site team to achieve quality projects and individual goals
(BuildCorp, 2018).
2.2.1.1 Situation
During my work integrated learning placement at the Future Fitouts limited, I was
involved in coordinating all trades and ensure quality projects for clients. Site managers are
critical personnel in the construction industry tasked with the operations on the site based on
their skills and following the Company’s policies (Kerzner & Kerzner, 2017). Site managers
ensure that all the relevant protocols are observed. The managers prepare budgets, liaise with
trades and suppliers, schedule work and monitor the manpower to ensure successful projects.
Kerzner & Kerzner (2017) note that site manager supervises the project to ensure compliance
with quality, environmental standards, and safety. Thus, a site manager must possess
construction management skills to coordinate internal and external works that guarantee
seamless, quality and timely project delivery.
2.2.1.2 Task
As a project cadet in Future Fitouts, I was involved in the organizing of trades for all the
projects, ensuring materials are available and assigned duties are carried out to deliver quality
projects. Moreover, the role required me to coordinate sub-contractors making them feel like part
of the company; respectfully collaborate with them in the delivering of their services. An
effective site manager must be aware of the processes and understanding the tasks of other trades
taking part in a particular project (Hwang, Zhao & Do, 2014). Different trades have different but
critical tasks in the running of a project and, a clear understanding of what their contribution
ensures effective project coordination. Site managers are the backbone of quality projects
through effective teams’ coordination (Li, Lu, Hsu, Gray & Huang, 2015). Thus, site
construction manager must coordinate all the stakeholders and works to ensure timely and
quality projects.
2.2.1.3 Actions
Throughout my WIL placement, I have developed and applied my Construction
management skills and, gained more knowledge and understanding of site management. I have
developed the abilities to manage trades. Although my placement, I have demonstrated my

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abilities through coordination of trades, defining roles and responsibilities for different
stakeholders’. As a project cadet, I ensured cordial working relationship and timely invoicing of
the trades services. Furthermore, I engaged in effective time management while dealing with
different trades. I ensured the timely conduct of every team duties to ensure the projects are
delivered on time. According to Hwang, Zhao & Do (2014), site managers conduct influence
directly the performance and the quality of the project they are involved in. effective site
managers must engage in actions that support teams and management of other activities to
impact positively on their projects. Thus, I have demonstrated my abilities and knowledge in
construction management through my actions in coordinating and managing trades and time
management.
2.2.1.4 Results
Through my effective construction management skills, Future Fitouts Company has
managed to offer timely and quality projects in liaison with all trades. The Company has
managed to have a cordial relationship and honoring the contracts for all stakeholders and, thus,
ensuring continued quality project delivery and happy trades, suppliers and sub-contractors.
2.2.2 Project planning and programming skills
“To succeed in this role, you must have a strong understanding of project planning and
programming”. Buildcorp limited seeks to fill the position of a Site Manager-fit-out.The job
description includes developing and managing project programmes (BuildCorp, 2018).
2.2.2.1 Situation
During my work integrated learning placement at Future Fitouts, I have evaluated and
determined the requirements of trades and other manpower, assisting in the selection of sub-
contractors as well as scheduling works. At the management level, site managers are tasked with
the planning and the execution of quality projects (Hughes, Champion & Murdoch, 2015).
Skilled site managers are involved in the preparing of site logistics that entails preparation of
quality plans, selecting and procuring necessary materials, preparing and refining work schedule
and relevant site responsibilities that allow delivery of timely quality projects. Successful
modern site managers assume the autonomy to guide the project planning and implementation of
the project (Lavikka, Smeds & Jaatinen, 2015). Thus, site managers must possess the skills in
project planning and programming to be able to lead teams to achieve the intended goals.
2.2.2.2 Task
As a project cadet at the Future Fitouts limited, I was tasked with the planning and
programming of projects. Notably, during the role, I played a prominent role in the planning and
execution of a $3 million hospital fit-out project. I was required to plan and handle all the
logistics to ensure the project starts and, received support from the site supervisor and project

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coordinators. According to Rumane (2016), successful site supervisor must gain skills in
coordinating and managing multiple trades in various projects, engage in thorough project
analysis to establish the requirements and the cost. Oakland & Marosszeky (2017) recognizes
that site managers should develop skills in preparing project management plans and work
breakdown structure. Thus, site managers should possess skills in project planning and
programme management to deliver the intended project's goals on-site as well as succeed in the
industry.
2.2.2.3 Actions
During my work integrated learning placement, I have demonstrated my abilities and
knowledge of project planning and programming. To successfully plan and deliver on the $3
million Priority Health Centre project, I was at the heart of drafting the project management plan
as well as the risk management plan. I was solely tasked with the sourcing of the trades and sub-
contractors and prepare and manpower requirements list and the proposed budget. Project
planning for site managers must include preparation of preliminary cost estimates and the
projection of manpower requirements (Brook, 2016). The abilities to engage in prior planning
and monitoring the programmes ensure the projects run according to the plans and avert any
risks of delay and compromise in quality. Thus, effective project planning skills and
programming are at the heart of successful site managers.
2.2.2.4 Result
Through my effective project planning and programming skills, the Priority Health
Centre project was completed on time and in a quality manner. The planning allowed us to
observe time, utilize resources and address arising issues during the project. Future Fitouts
received complimenting and appreciation messages from the Health centre as a result of the
quality project.

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3.0 Spider-web Diagram
3.1 Generic Skills
- Proficiency level before WIL Placement
- Proficiency level after WIL Placement
Excellent
communication
skills
High attention to
details
Problem solving
skills
Team work
Leadership skills

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3.2 Technical Skills
- Proficiency level before WIL placement
- Proficiency level after placement
Project planning
Construction
management
skills
Cost
management
skills
Contract
administration
Safety
Management

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4.0 Discussion
4.1 Generic Skills Improvement
4.1.1 Excellent communication skills
The work integrated learning placement has developed further my communication skills
both verbally and written. Throughout my roles as a project cadet at the Future Fitouts limited, I
have been communicating with colleagues, my seniors, clients’, sub-contractors and other trades
orally and in written form as a key area of business operations. Prior to my work placement, I
rarely engaged in formal contract business process discussion in meetings as well as writing
down formal agreements. However, now I am an effective communication expert. During my
engagement with sub-contractors and other trades, I engaged in constant communications about
the contracts orally and in writing. I am able to critically listen to other people, observe their
non-verbal communication as well as respond in a succinct and clear manner without being
vague. My roles in contract administration have cemented my active listening skills, verbal and
written communication skills. Hence, now I can be able to work in site management positions
and deliver effectively as a result of my effective communication skills.
4.1.2 Strong attention to details
During my work placement, I have learned and developed high attention to details. I have
learned to scrutinize every single aspect of compliance and licensing documents and ensure no
single detail is missing. Throughout my work placement, I have received and documented the
client’s details, requirements, and preferences. Also, I have dealt with sub-contractors and other
trades details for verification and approval. Now, I have an eye for details. As a project cadet, I
was engaged in business protocols that required me to verify all the licensing and compliance
requirement before the start of a project. I have learned to scan carefully any document carefully
to establish requirements criteria are met and measurements for plans are correct. I can now be
able to work as a site manager as I will scrutinize and interrogate available information to have
successful projects.
4.1.3 Problem-solving skills
After my work integrated learning placement, I am now a good problem solver among
colleagues and clients. I have learned and developed my skills in negotiating, compromising and
respectfully addressing all people to avert any problems that hinder effective working
relationships and success of a project. During my roles as a project cadet, I was involved in
contract administration that set out roles and the payment criteria. Notably, during a food fit-out
project, the sub-contractors experienced payment issues that threatened to halt the project. I
engaged the sub-contractors in a dialogue, receiving their views and explaining the Company
situation. I negotiated with them for more time. The project continued seamlessly. I can now be

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able to work as a site manager as I will be able to engage all people, negotiate and address all
upcoming problems and ensure timely delivery of projects.
4.1.4 Team work
After my work placement, I have come out as a strong team player. I am able to relate
with others team members, collaborate, share my views, embrace others perception and commit
towards the team's deliberations. Prior to my work placement, I would prefer to work as an
individual and had difficulties incorporating other people suggestions. However, now I am a
team member. I have learned and developed the skills of cultivating team relationship,
contributing towards a team project, embracing team diversity and complimenting individual
efforts. As a project cadet, I was involved in the organizing of trades. I worked with a team
aiming to secure quality trades for the company. I engaged in team deliberations and decision
making. I can now work as a construction manager as I will be able to work with different
stakeholders’ team to deliver desired results of a project.
4.2 Technical Skills
4.2.1 Project planning
After my work integrated learning placement, I have learned and further developed my
project planning skills. I now have the knowledge of the project planning process and the
abilities to prepare work and execution schedule. I have developed skills in preparing my project
plans, planning site logistics and procuring of necessary materials and risk management
planning. Prior to my work placement, I had the academic knowledge of project planning.
However, now I have developed the skills through on-job experience. As a project Cadet, I was
involved in the choosing of sub-contractors and other trades as well as procuring materials. I
gained the skills to establish the project need and plan the execution plan. I can now work as a
site manager as I will be able to plan for the projects through the establishment of the necessary
materials, workforce and prepare a work plan to deliver timely and quality project.
4.2.2 Construction management skills
During my placement, I have learned and developed my construction management skills.
I am now able to scrutinize projects request from clients to ensure they meet compliance and
licensing requirements. I have the skills to engage in pre-construction planning, determine the
size of the projects, and procure necessary materials and workforce. I have learned to engage the
sub-contractors and other trades to engage in contract agreements. Prior to the placement, I had
only academic knowledge. However, as a project cadet at the Future Fitouts limited, I engaged in
organizing trades and contract administrations as well as troubleshooting the projects. Through
the experience, I am able to oversee a project from the start, execution, and hand-over to clients.
I can be able to work as a site manager as I will engage in all necessary steps such as seeking