University Pathways
Build Your Career While You Study
The McNab Cadet Program is built for ambitious students studying Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or Architecture who want more than just a degree - they want real project experience.
Our cadets don’t sit on the sidelines. They’re embedded in live projects, working alongside experienced industry leaders across estimating, design, site delivery and operations - all while completing their university studies.
We offer genuine hands-on exposure, structured development and the flexibility needed to balance the demands of study and full-time work.
If you’re motivated, team-oriented, analytically minded and ready to challenge yourself in a high-performance environment - this is your opportunity to fast-track your career in the built environment.
How the McNab Cadet Program Works
Our Cadet Program is designed to complement your university studies with real, hands-on industry experience - not just observation, but meaningful contribution.
From day one, cadets are embedded within live projects, developing the practical skills, commercial awareness and technical capability required to succeed in the construction industry.
Throughout the program, you’ll rotate across:
- Estimating
- Design
- Construction Operations
You’ll also gain exposure to other areas of the McNab Group, helping you identify where your strengths and interests align - shaping your long-term career pathway!
The result? A well-rounded foundation, accelerated learning and a clear direction for your future in the built environment.
Design Rotation
In the Design rotation, you’ll see firsthand how the McNab design management team engage, manage and lead the consultant team to transform concepts into coordinated construction outcomes.
Working alongside the construction project teams, you’ll support early-stage planning, authority and approvals processes, review design documentation and assist with consultant coordination - gaining real insight into how ideas move from paper to project delivery.
You’ll develop a strong understanding of how design thinking aligns with constructability, cost, program and client expectations.
Along the way, you’ll build confidence interpreting technical documentation and collaborating across disciplines, supported by mentoring from experienced design professionals within McNab’s integrated delivery model.
Construction Operations Rotation
In the Construction Operations rotation, you’ll work alongside Project Managers and site teams to experience the day-to-day delivery of McNab projects.
From coordinating trades and managing resources to monitoring safety, quality and program performance, you’ll gain firsthand exposure to how projects are executed on live sites.
You’ll contribute to planning activities, attend site and subcontractor meetings, assist with document control and inspections, and see how strategic decisions translate into real-world outcomes.
With ongoing support and mentoring from experienced professionals, this rotation helps you build practical capability, leadership awareness, and the confidence to grow into a well-rounded construction practitioner.
Estimating Rotation
In the Estimating rotation, you’ll build strong commercial capability and gain insight into how projects are won.
Working alongside experienced Estimators, you’ll analyse project requirements, assist in preparing cost reports and help compile pricing inputs that contribute to tender submissions and budget forecasts.
You’ll develop a practical understanding of how quantities, rates, supplier pricing and subcontractor quotes shape competitive - yet realistic bids. This rotation strengthens your financial acumen and provides a clear view of how cost-conscious decisions influence project outcomes.
The result is a solid commercial foundation that complements your university studies and broadens your understanding of construction economics in a real-world environment.
Ava’s Cadetship
McNab Cadet, now Contract Administrator (CA) Ava started with McNab in 2022 during her Bachelor of Construction Management. Ava recently stepped up to the challenge of being CA of McNab’s first Sydney project, helping bring the McNab Way to our newly formed team. She has now returned to Brisbane and working on McNab Property’s landmark The Tannery development.
“Choosing the right company to commence my cadetship was extremely important to me. I wanted to be part of a company that is passionate about their culture, people, and producing quality projects. From my first day in 2022, I knew this was the place for me to grow and develop my career. I feel like I am part of the McNab family and can whole-heartedly say I love my job and the opportunities it provides me.” - Ava Curtis, Contract Administrator
