When Luke Bailey left Avondale College in 2015, he didn’t have a career plan. He had a string of odd jobs – from painting to delivery driving – before a YouTube video on urban design sparked a passion for improving cities.
Bailey found Unitec’s Bachelor of Construction (Property Development) programme when he was researching online, thinking it would be an informative and practical way to learn about property development.
As he worked through the three-year programme, he found it perfectly matched his desire to gain useful skills that would stand him in good stead when he entered the industry. He topped the class in his first year.
“I really enjoyed the practicality of Unitec’s approach,” says Bailey. “It wasn’t a curriculum filled with abstract concepts.
“We got real-life examples from teachers who have actually been involved in the industry. The lessons have been fantastic to draw from in my work to date.”
He says the Unitec experience has been an integral part of his career success, crediting Associate Professor Dr Linda Kestle and Senior Lecturer Roger Birchmore with creating valuable industry connections.
“It proved to be the launchpad into my first opportunities – partway through the course I was selected for an internship which then turned into a dream role working for a developer full-time.”
Three years ago, he founded Bailey Development Partners (BDP), providing advisory and project management services. Last year, he started his own developments under Bailey Group, including a $6 million, seven-home East Auckland development which is now near completion.
Beyond his own work, Bailey shares his expertise with current Unitec students and the wider industry through guest talks and LinkedIn videos.
“Luke’s thinking is refreshing and well-informed,” says Kestle. “He’s an inspiration to our students and a great example of how passion and practical skills can create a meaningful career.”
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