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Media release
TAFE NSW Institute of Applied Technology | 15 July 2025
From recliners to roads: Jaydon makes an unlikely career switch
### “Being a project manager is a dream job because the work is varied and interesting, and there’s a lot of room for promotion and growth.”
#### Jaydon Brown
A former Central Coast furniture salesman has made a dramatic career detour, swapping selling couches for a career project managing the construction of “mega-highways” and other major infrastructure projects.
Jaydon Brown, 23, was uncertain of his career path during school and fell into roles selling furniture at a number of stores around the Central Coast. Eager for an in-demand and rewarding career, he completed short courses in project management and sustainability at TAFE NSW Institute of Applied Technology – Construction (IATC) in 2024.
Four months ago, Jaydon secured a traineeship with global design, engineering and consultancy firm Arcadis, and is now employed as a junior project manager while he undertakes a Diploma of Project Management at IATC.
By 2030, the world will have a shortfall of about 25 million project professionals, generating a potential hit to global GDP of up to $345.5bn, research has revealed. “Being a project manager is a dream job because the work is varied and interesting, and there’s a lot of room for promotion and growth,” Jaydon said.
“Working at Arcadis, I’m helping manage pieces of public infrastructure that will help the community for generations, so it’s very rewarding.” As part of his job, Jaydon helps oversee major infrastructure projects, playing a role in planning, team coordination, scheduling and time management, budgeting, risk management, communication and reporting.
He attends TAFE NSW Ultimo once a week for practical learning, but said the flexibility of online assessments meant he could undertake most of the course at a time and location that suited him. “My IATC teachers all have real-world experience as project managers and they’re so good at breaking concepts down into a language I can understand,” Jaydon said. “The subject matter is tailored to what happens in my workplace; I can even use what I do onsite in my assessments.”
TAFE NSW IATC project management teacher Mina Salimi, who has over 30 years of industry experience, said project management is fast becoming one of Australia’s most versatile and in-demand careers. “We’re seeing strong demand for project managers across construction, healthcare, education, IT, infrastructure and more,” Ms Salimi said.
“Jaydon’s story is a perfect example of how project management can open doors to long-term, rewarding careers — no matter your background. Project management is a skillset that transfers across industries and across the world.”
Ms Salimi added that TAFE NSW’s practical training gives students a clear edge in the job market. “We don’t just teach theory — we equip students with the practical skills they need to step straight into the workplace,” she said.
Michael Downing, Business Leader – Project & Program Management at Arcadis said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer Jaydon this traineeship to enable him to develop his skills and knowledge in the project management sector. “His experience on site has been instrumental in linking his TAFE NSW studies with his Work Integrated Learning.”
IATC offers a range of “bite-sized”, flexible qualifications to help existing construction professionals upskill. The courses are delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, Western Sydney University and CPB Contractors, a collaborative approach that allows IATC to regularly take the pulse of industry and deliver quality education. Based in Kingswood but with many of its courses offered virtually, the IATC has a focus on Project Management, Leadership, and Digital Construction Skills.
Media contact: Dan Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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