Building bridges between construction and engineering

In the realm of construction and engineering, two graduates have found a unique chance to strengthen each other's skills along the way. 

Enter Miles Davis, a construction management grad, and Mitchell Cassin, a mechanical engineering grad, both part of Monadelphous' graduate program, currently working in Kemerton. 

According to Miles, the partnership between the two has been an opportunity for learning and growth as each brings a distinct set of skills and backgrounds. 

"Having an engineer and construction management grad at the same site is the perfect blend," Miles said.  

"My skill set is primarily suited to planning, methodologies, commercials, and contracts; however, I lack detailed technical knowledge. Mitch can assist me if I have any questions." 

Mitchell echoed this sentiment, highlighting the complementary nature of their roles.  

"Being from an engineering background, the technical side of working on-site has been my strength transitioning from Uni to Mono’s,” Mitchell said. 

"The contracts side of things has been the biggest challenge for me to adapt to, so I lean on Miles for assistance, as he has a construction management background." 

Miles, a Perth local who embarked on his Monos journey in February 2023, has been immersed in diverse projects spanning the South-West region. Shifting from Premier Coal's WTP Relocation Project to South 32's Coal to Gas Conversion Project, and now stationed at Albemarle's Kemerton Lithium Plant. With a foundation in construction management, Miles thrives amidst the multifaceted responsibilities that his role entails. 

"My career trajectory has been as dynamic as the projects I've tackled; I enjoy the diversity of the role and not being pigeonholed into a position," Miles said. 

His passion for the construction industry was ignited while at TAFE, where he pursued a Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Civil Construction and Design. He then discovered his love for project management, prompting him to pursue further education. This led him to enrol in a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours), which he completed in 2022.  

Alongside his academic pursuits, Miles gained valuable industry experience, working as a Cadet Contracts Administrator for a commercial builder and later as a Cadet Cost Manager.  

Growing up in Karratha and Wickham, Mitchell's childhood was shaped by his father's work at Cape Lambert. This instilled in him a fascination with the mechanical world from a young age.  

After relocating to Busselton, Mitchell completed his high school education before venturing into the workforce during his gap year, where he gained practical experience in shed construction. In 2019, he embarked on his academic journey at Curtin University, enrolling in a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) program, which he completed with distinction in 2022. He then found his footing within Monos in February 2023, with his first placement seeing him stationed in Kemerton.   

"As a graduate student, I’ve had the chance to learn from the team on the coal face what is required on projects," Mitchell said.  

"The best thing about my role has been applying what I’ve learned at university and adapting it to suit the project engineer role and our projects. 

“Being involved with the planning, execution and post-work of these projects has given me a steep learning curve over the last 12 months, providing me with exposure to all aspects of being a Project Engineer.” 

Looking forward, the paths of Miles and Mitchell will see them go their own ways. While Miles sets his sights on embracing fresh challenges wherever the winds of opportunity may lead him, Mitchell gears up for the next chapter at Kalgoorlie.