In the six years since she graduated, a member of Keystone Trust’s alumni network has embarked on a remarkable career journey that’s taken her from Aotearoa-New Zealand, to the bustling construction scene in Australia.
With an undergraduate degree majoring in project management and sustainable engineering, and a Master’s in Building Science focusing on Building Information Modelling (BIM), Amber Haddock’s path has been paved with excellence.
In 2017, in her fifth year of study, she was the deserving recipient of a Keystone Trust Key Partner Scholarship (KPS) with Dominion Constructors, a pivotal moment that set her on a trajectory of professional growth and international success.
“My connection to Keystone and Dominion was much more than a financial injection for my studies, it was the beginning of a lasting mentorship. I was instantly drawn to the personal touch both organisations conveyed through the scholarship interview process, which made me feel valued and comfortable taking the next step – this unquestionably laid the foundation for where I am today,” she says.
After completing her studies, Amber moved from New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, to the epicentre of development, Auckland, where she assumed the role of BIM Specialist at Dominion Constructors, working in construction arm with a focus on asset and facilities management.
“After tertiary study, I stepped right into a role with
Dominion, which was significant for a recent graduate. My career continued to evolve, and two years ago, I relocated to Sydney, Australia, where I am the Digital Engineering Manager (Northern Region) at Built, one of the country’s leading total construction solutions businesses.”
As the first official Digital Engineering Manager for the NSW Construction division at Built, Amber leads a dynamic team and plays a critical role in coordinating with design and service teams on various projects.
“Days are diverse, spent mostly onsite with a team of junior team members reporting to me across New South Wales and Queensland. “I am excited by the innovation which informs our projects in Australia and New Zealand – there are some incredible developments taking place, and productivity, particularly supported by digital advancement, is constantly evolving.”
For Keystone’s students preparing to enter the workforce, Amber offers some valuable advice – try to get work experience or an internship at the earliest possible moment.
“Experience in the industry will help to foster a sense of understanding about what a day in the life of a professional working in that field is like and whether it’s truly something you want to pursue. “Always keep an eye out for opportunities and grab them when they come along. That’s where the support of the Trust and its sponsor network is so unique and rewarding,” she says.
Despite the trans-Tasman move, Amber hasn’t forgotten her Keystone roots and has recently been instrumental in bringing Built on as Keystone’s newest Key Scholarship Partner (KSP). Amanda Stanes, Keystone Trust’s General Manager, says the endorsement demonstrates her commitment to giving back to the Trust and continued appreciation for its support.
“Built currently has a small team working on a project in Hobsonville, in addition to a fit-out division in New Zealand for about four years. So, it is an excellent opportunity to connect the organisation with other sponsors within our network and increase cross-sector collaboration.
“At the same time, the partnership between Built and Keystone Trust provides students with insight into the industry and opportunities to join the Built team in a graduate role, expanding their horizons – which is only good for our future leaders,” she says.
For further media enquiries, please contact
Amanda Stanes Keystone Trust – General Manager
M: +64 21 689 380 E: amanda@keystonetrust.org.nz
Amber Haddock Built – Digital Engineering Manager
M: +61 8332 4111 E: amberhaddock@built.com.au
