Interview with Estelle Clapham

CIA NEXGen member in focus – Estelle Clapham

Our CIA NEXGen young professional network continues to expand at the Concrete Institute of Australia. With this growth we are starting to develop special initiatives through our NEXGen members such as webinars, events and now podcasts. The NEXGen group also works closely with the SmartCrete CRC and recently welcomed Estelle Clapham to the steering committee who has helped drive the new podcast series. We caught up with Estelle recently and asked her a few questions about her pathway into the concrete industry.

What is your current role and tell us a bit about your experience, and what led you into the concrete industry?

I am currently the education manager at SmartCrete CRC, a role I never expected to take on.

If someone had told me 4 years ago that I’d be immersed in the world of concrete, I would have laughed. However, joining under the mentorship of exceptional concrete technologists opened my eyes to the complexities and allure of the field.

Their passion was so contagious that it sparked my own, leading to a 3-year journey with SmartCrete that continues to inspire me daily. The irony is, I now find myself so passionate about concrete that it often becomes a topic of discussion – even at social gatherings, much to the amusement of friends who now know to brace for my latest concrete news.

What are the best parts about your job and what are you passionate about?

What I cherish most about my job is witnessing and contributing to the growth of future concrete technologists.

We’re at a really exciting point in the industry where a wave of positive innovation is sweeping through, and seeing the next generation channel their enthusiasm and dedication is incredibly motivating.

Equally rewarding is the openness within the community; seasoned professionals are eager to share their knowledge and mentor the rising talent.

I feel especially grateful for the early guidance I received from experts who were many years into their own careers. They fueled my curiosity and enriched my understanding of this industry, which, until a few years ago, was entirely unfamiliar to me.

Although I still consider myself a complete novice, the daily opportunities to expand my knowledge are intriguing. The concrete industry is so multidimensional, filled with opportunities that keep me passionate about what I do.

How did you get involved with the CIA, and why do you find being part of NEXGen beneficial?

My involvement with the CIA began when I attended the Concrete 2023 conference in Perth. It was there that I saw a powerful synergy between SmartCrete’s mission and the CIA’s initiatives, especially through NEXGen.

Conversations with David Millar (CEO, CIA) and NEXGen Chair Marie Josh Tapas highlighted the immense potential for collaboration, and I knew we could achieve even greater milestones by working together.

We’re already gearing up for some exciting projects slated for 2025 and beyond. Leading the charge is the launch of our NEXGen podcast series, which is set to go live on 5 December 2024.

This initiative is just one of the many ways we aim to bridge the gap between industry and academia, fostering an environment where the NEXGen community can thrive in both personal and professional development.

Being part of this collaborative journey with the CIA is incredibly fulfilling and fuels my commitment to nurturing the next wave of concrete professionals.