Higgins network engineer Ning Yan is a great example that many career paths can lead to construction.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in Management at Shenyang Normal University in China, Ning entered the workforce as an accounts payable clerk before moving to New Zealand and completing a Diploma in Civil Engineering at Wintec in Hamilton.

“I really wanted to work in the construction industry as I was drawn to the challenge of working to bring a project to completion where you can see the tangible achievements,” Ning says.

Two years after starting with Higgins as a graduate engineer, Ning was promoted to her current role as a network engineer for the state highway network in eastern Waikato, focused on delivering  the annual plan and variation programmes, and programming for the operational teams for the state highways on which Higgins has maintenance contracts.

It’s a role offering plenty of challenge and variety, with a complex state highway network and challenging weather events in this part of the country.

Although Ning is mostly office-based in Morrinsville, she enjoys opportunities to visit Higgins teams in the field and gain site experience and area initiatives to improve roading safety.

Past work in accounts payable set her in good stead for her sharp focus on project detail. “I enjoy trying to make things as accurate as possible and want to achieve high quality. I really enjoy learning new things and skill from my colleagues, clients and subcontractors,” she says.

As she looks to further her career, Higgins provides great support and training in areas such as NZIHT short courses, project management, traffic management and safety leadership. She is currently a member of Fletcher Construction’s ‘Achieving Women’ programme, supporting women to rise through the ranks at Fletcher Construction.

She hopes her path will encourage more women into careers in construction.

“Even if you have come from a different background, you can still work in construction and enjoy a challenging and fulfilling career,” Ning says.