24 | Sue Russell An engaging and worthwhile career Sheridan Fathers enjoys the challenges and complexity of the projects the company is involved in. DEVELOPMENT EPL Construction Whangamata civil construction business EPL Construction has been in operation 26 years and is a multi-skilled civil construction company. The business is involved in civil services including water treatment plants, bulk earthworks, drainage, pipe-laying, pump stations, and new subdivisions, to name a few. Sheridan Fathers BE Civil (Hons) has been with the company 5 years and is now a co-Director, along with Bruce Connell. She enjoys the challenges and complexity of the projects the company is involved in. Sheridan says her journey to becoming a Civil Engineer had a few twists and turns. When she was still at school she was determined to be a pilot and eventually decided to join the air force where it was suggested she undertake a civil engineering course. Instead, she enrolled herself in a civil engineering degree at Canterbury University in Christchurch. “I am a very practical person. I was brought up with a hard-working but positive attitude on life. Through problem solving, hard work and commitment, you can achieve the goals you set. I guess this is why my other siblings are Engineers as well.” She is proud to say that she achieved one goal in 2017 of becoming a Chartered Professional Engineer in Construction. Sheridan is keen to get the message out that Civil Engineering is a seriously engaging, worthwhile career for school students to consider. “We build infrastructure that will not only be here for our lifetimes, but for future generations. Civil construction is challenging, and each job has its own complexities. The problem solving about how we can utilise resources and materials to construct amazing pieces of infrastructure that will remain for years to come, is very rewarding. The sense of achievement and pride in your team after you have been through the bad and the good, weather, site conditions, problems, technical malfunctions etc. Together you have produced a piece of infrastructure that other people get to benefit from for years to come.” Examples of this work include a new boat ramp and floating pontoon in Pauanui, Water Treatment Plant upgrades around the Coromandel Peninsula, Stormwater and Sewer main upgrades coastal retaining work and a river jetty in Paeroa. Speaking to students at her old high school Proud supplier to EPL THE COROMANDEL’S LEADING LAND DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS • Land Subdivision and Property Development • Boundary Marking (Locating Boundary Pegs) • Topographic (Contour) Surveys • Building and Construction Set-out • District Plan Interpretation and Advice • Resource Consent Applications • Unit Titles Surveys • Cross Lease Surveys • Boundary Adjustment Surveys • As-Built Surveys PHONE: 07 865 8993 FREEPHONE: 0800 367 767 www.rmssurveyors.co.nz By involving us, you minimise the chances of unforeseen complications, unnecessary costs, and delayed completion of your project.
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