13 February 2025:

Is there a better example of the opportunities in our industry for young people than Thomas Cherrie?  Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in his early teens, the traditional classroom environment wasn’t for him, and frustration was spilling over into anxiety and unhappiness.

Thomas then joined Fulton Hogan’s Infrastructure Skills Centre in 2022 at just 16 – our youngest ever entrant.

Three years later he’s a qualified STMS, installing and managing complex temporary traffic management plans, leading morning team meetings and responsible for team safety. He’s pictured here with his mother, Julie, and Albany Branch Manager, Troy Girdler-Brown.

Infrastructure Skills Centre Manager, John Catt, (pictured above with Thomas at his graduation) calls Thomas “simply inspirational.”

Thomas describes himself as the sort of person who learns visually and by doing.

“Leaving school at Year 11 was a massive power move for me, a chance to do physical work with practical solutions and problem solving. It’s one of the best things I could have done.”

Albany Branch Manager, Troy Girdler-Brown says achieving so much so quickly says much about Thomas as a person and the opportunities for him.

“Thomas is a shining example of what’s possible and it’s a privilege watching him grow.“

Julie Cherrie says she is “over the moon” about Thomas’s journey.

“Thomas is mixing with people of varying abilities and learning styles and this is really encouraging for him,” Julie says.

“He’s found his passion and the right people to mentor him – including some who might even see a bit of themselves in him.”

And as to the irony he’s in charge of traffic management on a site when he is so young he’s yet to have his full license?

“There’s plenty of time for that,” he says. “I really enjoy what I’m doing and plan to be doing it for many years to come.”