« Back | Home » At work with Yolanda Ngwenya: Construction Engineer

Meet Yolanda Ngwenya: Construction Engineer

CP = Career Planet
YN = Yolanda Ngwenya

CP: Where do you work?
YN: WBHO Construction Cape, Green Point Stadium

CP: What do you love most about the job?
YN: That I am constantly moving from one place to another - it keeps one fit.

CP: Have you had any other jobs?
YN: Yes - I had a modeling contract at one point, but it was boring.

CP: When you were at school, what type of career did you think you would follow?
YN: Can’t remember, but I love where I am now    

CP: Do you have any formal qualifications? If so, what are they?
YN: National Diploma in Building

CP: What courses did you study, and where?
YN: Concrete; Cement and Concrete Institute

CP: What made you decide to choose that study path?
YN: It’s a lot of fun and always challenging.

CP: How long did you study for, and do you still do any training?
YN: 3 years, trying to complete B-Tech Research.

CP: Have you ever done any volunteer work to gain experience?
YN: Not apart from in-service training with WBHD

CP: What made you decide to choose the job that you are doing now?
YN: I just loved the industry and wanted to be different from my family.

CP: Please tell us about a typical day at work. (including the main duties etc)
YN: Planning, Programming, Managing the sub-contractors, etc.

CP: What are the main tools that you use daily (e.g.: computer, oven, camera, microscope etc)
YN: A tape measure, square, spirit level, and sometimes a computer

CP: Does your job involve managing other people?
YN: Yes-especially sub-contractors.

CP: Do you work office hours or flexi-time?
YN: Working hours are per site requirements.

CP: Do you work in a relaxed or a formal environment?
YN: Very relaxed

CP: What is the dress code for your job?
YN: We are very casual while on site.

CP: What can one expect to earn as a starting salary in this career?
YN: Tough question. It really depends on the market at the time.

CP: What is the worst/or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you at work?
YN: Falling on site.

CP: What are the prospects for career growth?
YN: You can become a site agent, contracts manager, or director for example.

CP: Does your job include travelling? 
YN: Only when we change sites

CP: Describe the kind of person that you think most suits this type of work.
YN: You need to be self-driven, calm, and respectful.

CP: Do you have any tips for people thinking about this career?
YN: Make sure you are fully aware of hat you're in for.

CP: Do you have hobbies?
YN: I love reading (be it on the internet or a great book) and going to the gym of lately.