To help achieve our vision of excellence in concrete, the Concrete Institute of Australia recognises the need to provide all members of the concrete industry with an opportunity to be involved to promote and develop excellence in concrete research, technology, application, design, construction, and sustainability. This includes young professionals who bring fresh and innovative ideas and information to the industry.
CIA NEXGen is the Institute’s focus group with a mission to promote and encourage young professionals to become involved in the activities of the Concrete Institute of Australia, and to assist in providing membership benefits that are of value to Under 35s in the concrete industry.
This is done by:
- Promoting collaboration and building networks and connections
- Exchanging knowledge and experiences
- Organising and participating in CIA events and activities
- Liaising with affiliated local and international young member groups
- Getting involved with the Concrete Institute of Australia
How can you get involved?
- Join up with or set a local young members group
- Spread the word – talk to friends, colleagues, students, anyone who is in the concrete industry
- Organise an activity – coffee, drinks, lunch and get to know each other
- Identify local events and conferences to get involved in
- Work with State Committees to develop ideas, events and activities
CIA NEXGen Podcasts
Created by the Concrete Institute of Australia’s NEXGen team, the Said in Concrete podcast is here to inspire the next generation of concrete technologists. Produced by SmartCrete CRC.
Said in Concrete
Now in its third season, the Said in Concrete series brings together emerging concrete technologists and experienced industry veterans for engaging roundtable discussions about their hopes and dreams for Australia’s concrete industry.
Each episode dives into pivotal moments that defined their careers, sharing how they discovered their passion for concrete and navigated this complex industry.
Check out all episodes below or through your favourite podcast streaming app.
CIA NEXGen Webinars
The CIA NEXGen webinar series provides young professionals in the concrete industry an opportunity to organise, convene, and/or participate as speakers through our online platform to provide professional development opportunities and to share their knowledge in concrete research, technology, application, design, construction, and sustainability. Webinars are held quarterly, and are also available via the CIA NEXGen YouTube page.
CIA NEXGen Events and Activities
The CIA NEXGen are focused on activities and events that provide opportunities for professional development and knowledge sharing amongst young professionals in the concrete industry. These can include, but are not limited to:
Careers in Concrete – events held at universities that provide students with an opportunity to hear from industry professionals, including recent graduates, about their pathways and what young professionals may need to consider when starting their careers.
Rising Stars – graduating students can showcase their concrete related thesis or final year projects to a panel or audience of industry practitioners whilst networking with like minded members or potential employees. Currently held in November or December in Perth and Adelade.
Social and Networking Events – the CIA NEXGen community can meet informally whenever and wherever they like, or more formally at any CIA event around the country.
CIA conference – the CIA biennial conference embraces the NEXGen community and our young professionals by hosting social events, holding a dedicated forum and panel for NEXGen, and promoting technical excellence via the Best U35 Paper award.
Smartcrete and NEXGen
The CIA is grateful to the support and contribution made by SmartCrete CRC to the CIA NEXGen program and initiative. SmartCrete CRC empowers research collaborations in innovative design, materials and technology that support the transition of concrete for a sustainable Australia.
They are incredibly passionate about connecting research to practice, and todays engineering students into tomorrows leaders.
For more information on what SmartCrete CRC does, and to learn how they helping Australia shift to net zero concrete by 2050 visit their website
CIA NEXGen Steering Committee
- Arun Arunothayan, Chair (Victoria)
- Liam Martin, Deputy Chair (NSW)
- Diana Geaboc (Queensland)
- Thuc Nguyen (Queensland)
- Samuel Gomes (Queensland)
- Estelle Clapham (NSW)
- Ian Ng (NSW)
- Irene Susanto (NSW)
- Sachinthani Karunarathna (Victora)
- Eddie Huong (South Australia)
- Jayesh Shrestha (South Australia)
- Jemma Ehsman (Western Australia)
- Joel Brown (Western Australia)