The future for providing engineering services
Matthew McCormick – Practice Director (Brisbane)
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours), University of Queensland, MIEAust, NER. CPEng
Matthew’s time with ADG so far has afforded him the opportunity to work and live in several locations across Australia:
2018 – Construction Services engineer (Brisbane)
2019 – Senior Construction Services engineer
2021 – Associate Director (Melbourne)
2023 – Practice Director (Perth)
2024 – Practice Director (Brisbane)
How did you start your career? What was your first job?
Prior to starting engineering, I held several part-time and holiday jobs ‘on the tools’ including demolition, scaffolding and other labour. Whilst studying, I held an undergraduate structural engineering role in Brisbane, while summer holidays took me to rural Queensland coal mines as an undergraduate mining engineer. My first full-time engineering role was in Brisbane as a structural temporary works engineer.
What motivated you to join ADG?
I felt I could contribute to ADG in a positive way and be part of the growth in several ways. Looking back to when I joined ADG in 2018, it’s been great to be part of the journey and amazing to watch the positive changes that have occurred.
What have been the key projects or accomplishments that have contributed to your career at ADG?
During my time at ADG, I’ve primarily been involved in major transport infrastructure projects, including: Melbourne Metro Tunnel (VIC), West Gate Tunnel (VIC), Level Crossing Removal Program (VIC), METRONET (WA), Morley to Ellenbrook Line (WA).
In what ways has ADG supported your career and development?
Throughout my time at ADG, I’ve been fortunate to have worked closely with some of the leaders of Australia’s engineering industry. ADG has always been supportive of new and out of the box ideas. This does not only apply to how we conduct our day-to-day tasks, but also which projects and work types we are targeting. I’ve moved from learning, delivery/technical roles, through to a ‘responsible engineer’, project manager and now practice manager. While the skillsets required have changed and developed, the learning and development continue every step of the way.
There have been many defining moments working with ADG, however one recently was stepping into the acting practice director role. While I was well supported, there is no substitute for the real thing and I learnt a significant amount in a short period of time.
DALTON GLASBY – DIRECTOR
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Hons), Bachelor of Business (Management)
Dalton joined ADG during his final year of study in the Brisbane structures team, progressing as an undergraduate, and was offered a graduate position. He progressed from an undergraduate to graduate to structural and senior structural engineer throughout this time. In 2019, he then took on a Practice Director role in the Northern Territory. Dalton has been in Darwin for almost 5 years and works across all of ADG’s disciplines.
How did you start your career? What was your first job?
I worked in construction for a family business when I was growing up and always imagined I would end up working for a contractor in some capacity. By chance I ended up working in consulting and this has been very rewarding, I am glad I took this path.
What motivated you to join ADG?
Chance – initially. I was seeking a job about a year out from finishing my study and was lucky enough to get some experience in the Brisbane office through Mark Blinco (Structural Director). Following this, I’ve been motivated by the people around me, the leaders within the business, the projects I have been able to work on and the opportunity to develop as a professional, but also personally.
Describe your career journey within ADG.
I started with ADG with some work experience during my final year of study. I worked hard to make an impression and was offered a graduate position, which has led to some really great opportunities with ADG. I worked in the Brisbane structures team for around five years, and progressing as an undergraduate, graduate, structural and senior structural engineer throughout this time. I made it known through the career development discussions and reviews that I wanted to progress into leadership roles, and I was asked if I wanted to move up to the NT to take on a Practice Director role in 2019 and here I am. I’ve been in Darwin for almost five years and am fortunate to work across all of our disciplines.
What have been the key projects or accomplishments that have contributed to your career at ADG?
Key projects – there are so many of them. I have been fortunate to work on high-rise projects throughout Australia, and since moving to the NT, I’ve worked on many key government / transport infrastructure, education, health, justice, land subdivision, and remediation projects.
Specific examples are the NT Art Gallery, RDH Mental Health Unit, CDU Trade Training Facility, Palmerston Fire & Emergency Centre, and many others.
Key accomplishments – a fast tracked career into leadership roles has been an accomplishment for me. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects with some really smart and capable people, build my network and personal brand, and work with ADG to facilitate growth in every role.
In what ways has ADG supported your career and development?
ADG has been very supportive of me throughout my entire career. From providing me with the opportunity as an undergraduate, through to supporting my training and development technically as an engineer and facilitating opportunities for progression into leadership roles over the last 9 years. The leadership team has always listened to my ambitions and provided a pathway to achieving my career goals – although not without reciprocating with hard work and effort. They’ve backed me on projects and in roles that I am not sure would have been possible in other businesses.
Specific example – When I was still a graduate, the leaders recognised my leadership potential and put me forward for a Leadership and Business Acumen course run internally and that has provided me with a lot of key skills and learnings that I have taken with me throughout my career.
What is the learning environment like at ADG?
The learning environment can be intense – but always supportive. There are a lot of really smart people in the organisation who always have time to share wisdom and assist with technical and personal development.
How have you personally grown or developed since joining ADG?
Working at ADG has allowed me to develop a lot more confidence in myself and my abilities. Certainly, when I came to ADG my technical skillset was non-existent and this has developed substantially since I started. I have developed my understanding of what it means to be a professional – working at ADG has facilitated this.
How do you see yourself growing and contributing to ADG?
I see a long road ahead at ADG, with progression into further leadership roles across the country. I hope to be able to inspire excellence in others and to help them work toward a similar trajectory of my own career – understanding that the opportunity is there, it’s up to you to take hold of it and work with the leadership team to realise it. The opportunity exists to succeed – be open with what you want to achieve and when; then work hard to achieve your goals and demonstrate that you mean it.
Fun facts / interests?
Amateur musician, lover of the outdoors and keen traveller.
WILL SINCLAIR – DISCIPLINE PRINCIPAL – STRUCTURAL
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons I), University of Queensland, RPEQ CPEng NER MIEAust APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)
William joined ADG in January 2019 as a Senior Structural Engineer in the Brisbane office, assisting other Senior Engineers with the operation of the Brisbane Structural teams. He has since grown into roles including Technical Associate, Associate Principal and in July 2023 was promoted to the role of Discipline Principal.
How did you start your career? What was your first job?
My first job was washing dishes at The Coffee Club – yay!
I actually wanted to be an architect but after interviewing an architect when I was in high school, I felt that I was probably a better fit for engineering given my interest in maths, science and graphics. I took a lot from that meeting and have been passionate about engineering ever since.
What have been the key projects or accomplishments that have contributed to your career at ADG?
I have had the privilege of spending at least part of the past 4 years working on the regeneration of the Priority Development Area at Herston Quarter, including the restoration of the signature heritage-listed buildings at the heart of the development, some of which are over 125 years old.
Since July 2022, I have been facilitating the Principal Roundtable for Structures and Construction Services Engineers, providing focus and direction to the Principal Engineers for these Disciplines to address questions and concerns from across the country and to produce suitable Technical Literature that outlines the ADG way of best practice design.
In what ways has ADG supported your career and development?
ADG has supported my work in lecturing and tutoring for the School of Civil Engineering at The University of Queensland by providing me flexible working hours and the trust to complete my responsibilities in my own time. ADG also supports and promotes my development in external engagement with the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry through presentations, seminars, conferences and award ceremonies.
What is the learning environment like at ADG?
ADG has a large pool of clever and driven professionals with great talent, deep knowledge or a mix of both. Traditionally, the learning environment has been centred on immersive on-the-job training from close proximity to experienced engineers in all locations. However, as the company has grown in size and geographic reach, the learning environment has shifted towards supplementing this local training with nationally standardised and validated best-practice learning resources (including written, oral and audiovisual media) provided on demand through programs like The ADG Way and our Technical intranet – AdvantADG. We continue to work on unlocking latent skills and experience within ALL of our staff across all levels, roles and Disciplines.
What motivated you to join ADG?
Having worked in both large multinational (1200 staff) and small start-up (3 staff) companies, I was interested in trying to get the best of both worlds in a medium sized company with national reach – big enough to have interesting projects and clients but small enough to adapt/innovate quickly in response to changes in the market or industry; large enough for there to be space for my career to grow into but small enough to have an open and accessible culture.
