Tayla Rowe
Ask me about
- What drew me to construction as a career
- What inspired me to further my education
- My favourite part of my role
- The advice I would give to my younger self
About me
Not knowing where my application with the Queensland Fire Brigade would lead at 18, I took on a trade assistant role with a residential and commercial roofing company. After a year and a half, I moved to a residential construction company, where I discovered a deep passion for building and the industry as a whole. I completed my carpentry apprenticeship and built a strong foundation in the trade. Over the next eight years, working with two additional companies, I continued to develop my skills before stepping off the tools into a Sub-Foreman role, keen to grow my capabilities in a new direction. After three and a half years in site supervision, I progressed into my current role as a Construction Foreman.
An impactful part of my personal journey was undergoing surgery for Chiari Malformation, which relieved pressure on my brain stem and restored proper cerebrospinal fluid flow after years of worsening symptoms. The condition, likely present from birth, was only discovered following a concussion that led to a brain scan. The surgery required a lengthy recovery, including eight days in hospital and a gradual return to work over several months. This experience taught me to value my health and resilience, and I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support from my family, friends, and McNab throughout my recovery.
About my role
- Observant
- Passionate
- Personable
- Reliable
- Resourceful
A construction foreman is a seasoned professional who leads site operations, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and to building spec. Typically drawing on experience, they coordinate crews, manage subcontractors, and interpret plans to keep daily activities aligned with project goals. Foremen are responsible for allocating resources, monitoring progress, and enforcing safety standards, often serving as the critical link between the onsite crew management team. They are resolving issues on the fly and making real-time decisions to avoid safety breaches, delay and quality concerns. Strong leadership, clear communication, and a deep understanding of construction methods are essential. A foreman not only drives productivity but is also a mentor to others and ensures quality workmanship across all trades. Their role is pivotal in maintaining site discipline, meeting deadlines, and upholding the professional standards expected in the industry.
Education
- High School Certificate
- Cert III in Carpentry
- Advanced Diploma in Building and Construction Management
Subjects
- Biology
- English
- Health and Human Development
- Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
- Physical Education
Awards
- Most QCE points at time of graduation (extra curricular activities)
- Mathematic achievement (primary and high school years)
- Sporting achievement
Hobbies
- Gardening
- Gym
- Renovating
- Running
- Seeing family and friends
Pets
- 1 Dog
15 year old me!!
My career journey
-
Entered the construction industry
-
Completed my carpentry apprenticeship
-
Moved to Brisbane for career progression
-
Had life-changing neurosurgery and recovered
-
Promotion to Foreman in 2025
My typical day
My employer
