Team Construction Management’s Chuck Cullen has found a rewarding career as a Senior Project Manager with the Kelowna-based construction outfit. Since moving to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Cullen has progressed from an entry-level labourer to a Gold Seal certified Project Manager over the course of his career.
Cullen quickly realized that ‘digging holes’ and ‘carrying boards’ as a labourer would not be sustainable as a long-term career and began a carpentry apprenticeship at Victoria’s Camosun College, before completing the following three years at Okanagan College. He then worked for ten years in a variety of leadership roles before being promoted to a Site Superintendent.
While working with Team Construction as a Project Manager, Cullen took his Gold Seal certification through the Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) and now takes the time to speak to youth in Okanagan high schools about his career experiences while promoting the trades as a legitimate option for youth.
“The trades are really not pushed in high schools,” said Cullen. “It really is a good career. I’ve gone into numerous high schools in the Okanagan Valley—grade nine to 12— to let them know that the trades is an amazing option.
“I’ve always had a lifelong interest in learning and sharing and giving back….the perseverance, the hard work [that I’ve experienced in my career] and the giving back is one of the best things, because I get to teach young people what I’ve learnt.”
Team Construction has allowed Cullen to not only thrive in a professional work setting, but provide for his family, which includes his two daughters. His salary has allowed him to live a comfortable life and he has had an opportunity to work on unique and exciting projects in both the residential and commercial sectors ranging from super basic projects, all the way up to 35 million dollars, with larger projects on the horizon.
“There’s never a dull moment around here,” Cullen remarked.
You can view Skills Ready Career Catalyst Dave Lovisa’s full interview with Chuck Cullen by clicking HERE.
