Candidate Information Pack

For over 65 years customers have been coming to McConnell Dowell with complex projects that require innovative solutions. That's why we're known as the Creative Construction company.

From remote resources and energy projects to city-shaping infrastructure, we've built thousands of quality assets and facilities.

Engineering-led, our expertise has grown steadily to span building, civil, electrical, fabrication, marine, mechanical, pipelines, rail, tunnel and underground construction..

In 1961, two ambitious young engineers from New Zealand—Malcolm McConnell and Jim Dowell—set out with a bold vision: to build a company that would do things better than the one they worked for. That vision marked the birth of McConnell Dowell.

Since then, innovation and creative construction have remained at the heart of everything we do.

Here's our 65 year history through the decades...

We are a Purpose and Values driven organisation. These define what's important to us, guide our decision making and unite us behind a common goal.

Our Purpose is Providing a Better Life.

We do that through delivering projects that connect, sustain and enhance communities, and through providing career opportunities that challenge, reward and grow our people.

We also have five company values that guide our behaviours and decisions. Our values are:

Creative Construction at McConnell Dowell is the inspired engineering behind the complex infrastructure we deliver.

It's the technical problems and challenges solved behind the scenes by people empowered to think creatively and work collaboratively. It’s the alternative idea or innovation that saves time, reduces cost, makes us safer, and delivers more value. 

It might not always be evident when you look at the end product, but it's there, inside every McConnell Dowell project.

Our graduate program is full of variety - helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of our industry and your career preferences.

What can you expect as a McConnell Dowell Graduate?

Our Graduate Program spans a two-year journey, empowering you to embark on a fulfilling career path. It's designed to nurture your growth, offer valuable learning experiences, and fulfil your potential.

• Project Rotations: Graduates will have the opportunity to gain critical on-the-job learning and a deeper understanding across several of McConnell Dowell's impressive projects. Graduates will also have the opportunity to gain insights from Engineering & Construction, Environmental & Sustainability, Engineering Technology & Innovation, Finance and Commercial teams, understanding their contributions to McConnell Dowell projects.
• One-on-one Mentoring: Each graduate will be assigned an industry expert who is dedicated to supporting the graduate on their career journey.
• Networking Opportunities: Graduates will acquire essential skills to confidently represent themselves as integral members of the McConnell Dowell team, shining at both internal and external events
• Graduate workshops: Graduates will benefit from key online learning sessions that will enable them to recognise their leadership potential

We offer our graduates opportunities in:

You are part of building something special at McConnell Dowell. Creating better together for each other, our customers and communities.

Diverse projects and roles mean more development opportunities, and we invest in your growth through training and top-notch mentoring.

We're leaders in mental health and well-being, promoting balance through flexible work options, and having industry-leading Employee Assistance and Benefits programs. {show php="return(region('aus'));"} (Australian benefits program) {/show}

We offer our customers engineering and construction solutions in transport, water & wastewater, ports & coastal, energy, resources, and building.

Our services encompass the complete project lifecycle—from early concept design to commissioning and ongoing maintenance. We tailor each solution to suit our customer's specific project objectives and preferred delivery approach.

With over 65 years of history in the region, and as the birthplace of the company, McConnell Dowell is well known in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands as an accomplished, engineering-led, multi-disciplined contractor.

We have a proven track record in delivering complex projects in remote and difficult locations, and have extensive in-house resources, specialist plant, and experienced support teams that enables us to self-perform much of our work.