Construction Leadership Program

About the program

The Construction Leadership Program (CLP) at Melbourne is a selective, six month long leadership initiative designed for high-performing final-year students with Construction major in the Bachelor of Design (B.Des) course. The program offers a structured platform for students to strengthen their leadership capability, interpersonal skills, and professional confidence while enhancing employability and long-term career success in the construction and built environment sectors.

Through CLP, student leaders are equipped with practical leadership tools, professional exposure, and reflective learning experiences that prepare them for graduate roles and future leadership pathways. CLP participants act as emerging ambassadors for Construction at Melbourne—helping to strengthen connections between students, alumni, and industry professionals—while contributing to the visibility, culture, and reputation of the program within and beyond the University.

Objectives of the program

The key objectives of the Construction Leadership Program (CLP) include:

• Fostering a strong sense of belonging, identity, and engagement within the Construction student community
• Enhancing the overall student experience through leadership development, service, and collaborative activities
• Providing meaningful exposure to industry forums, professional networks, and leadership dialogues
• Enabling student participation in leadership-oriented projects related to construction and the broader built environment
• Encouraging peer mentoring, support, and service, both within the program and across the wider student cohort
• Creating a structured scaffolding pathway for early engagement with senior Construction Ambassadors in the Construction Ambassador Program (CAP) within the Master of Construction Management (MCM), enabling early interaction and vertical mentorship
• Developing core interpersonal, communication, teamwork, and leadership capabilities essential for professional practice
• Supporting Program-, Faculty-, and University-level events and initiatives through student leadership contributions

Promoting and advocating for the Construction program at Melbourne through informed student leadership and representation

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for CLP, students must:

• Be enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Design with Construction Major
• Be in their final year of undergraduate study
• Have successfully passed all subjects undertaken to date
• Commit to continuing full-time candidature for at least two consecutive semesters prior to graduation

As part of the application process, students must:

• Submit a completed CLP application form
• Provide an official academic transcript from the previous semester
• Submit a persuasive personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) outlining motivation, leadership interest, and commitment
• Attend an interview, if shortlisted
• Demonstrate motivation to contribute as a student ambassador and give back to the program
• Be willing to work collaboratively in groups and commit additional time to CLP activities alongside academic responsibilities

Program Expectations

CLP participants are expected to:

• Contribute actively to building a cohesive and high-performing leadership cohort in Construction
• Participate in at least 80% of scheduled CLP activities to be eligible for the Construction Leadership Program Completion Certificate
• Support efforts to promote, brand, and enhance the reputation of Construction programs at Melbourne

Key CLP Program Dates

• Applications open: Week 1 (Semester 1, 2026)
• Applications close: Week 4

Apply for the program using the QR code below.

Contact

Program Coordinator
A/Prof Hemanta Doloi
Email: hdoloi@unimelb.edu.au