A four-week First Nations Southern Civil Construction Program providing training and hands-on work experience for school students in Adelaide’s south was delivered in March.

Led by Renewal SA’s Works Program in partnership with TAFE SA, Construction Industry Training Board, the Department for Education and its Workabout Centre, and Seaford Secondary College acting as lead school, the initiative offered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants a mix of accredited and non-accredited civil construction training.

They gained practical skills over the month, including preparation for employment, an understanding of workplace health and safety within civil construction environments and hands-on experience using tools and equipment.

Renewal SA Works Program Project Coordinator Amy Reid highlighted the tangible impact of the program.

“I’ve seen such a significant change in the students. The fact they’ve shown up every single day is something I’m incredibly proud of,” Ms Reid said.

“We’re genuinely hoping to make a meaningful difference in their lives by providing real-world exposure to the civil construction industry and clear pathways into apprenticeships

“Beyond building technical skills, the program is also strengthening confidence and resilience, helping students become job-ready and connect with the many employment opportunities available across Adelaide’s southern suburbs.”

The program also provided the opportunity to work on a live training site at Renewal SA’s Noarlunga project under the direction of TAFE SA Building and Civil Construction Lecturer Grahame Goddard and alongside the agency’s civil construction contractor, Winslow Constructors.

Both Mr Goddard and Winslow Project Manager Sam Taylor were impressed at the interest and intent shown by the participants.

“It was great to see the boys and the girls all express what they’re excited about,” Mr Taylor said.

“There are avenues in the field whether it’s traffic management, civil construction, or surveying - this is the core and from here you can choose that area of expertise you’re interested in.

“And that’s the really great thing about this program – it’s a foot in the door.”

Mr Goddard was equally impressed.

“I can see a few of the participants being in the field,” he said.

“Not everybody takes immediately to standing in the sun and swinging a crowbar, but they showed a great attitude.”

The time spent on site included a drone demonstration and opportunity for the students to be up close and personal with excavators and other earth-moving machinery.

The course also included theoretical work and a focus on building employability skills. Résumé and interview skills workshops were delivered by Department for Education’s Workabout Centre, in addition to workshops facilitated by Mates in Construction and KESAB Environmental Solutions.

Students were also visited by a potential employer after earning their white card, which is a required certification that will allow participants to work on a construction site in Australia.

Workabout Centre supports Aboriginal students and has been an integral program partner. Southern Coordinator Dillan Olliver shared his passion for educating and supporting youth career pathways.

“Workabout is proud of the partnership formed with Renewal SA to deliver such a great initiative to support Aboriginal students from the southern region through this invaluable program,” Dillan said.

“We have a great opportunity to inspire the participants to earn qualifications in the field and help them dream big.

“I think the best part about my job is that we can support young people to find their pathways and careers and give them something to strive for.”

Renewal SA is committed to fostering First Nations employment and career development through its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2027, while creating economic opportunities for the state.

To help better understand cultural heritage and explore identity, the program began with a presentation from Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation on cultural heritage and identity.

Renewal SA’s Reconciliation Manager Kimberley Shearer and Cultural Heritage Services Lead Ben Christensen offered further oversight, presenting on our agency’s role in Reconciliation and cultural heritage diligence in our projects.

At the program’s close, 14 participants marked their achievements at a graduation ceremony. The occasion highlighted next steps and future pathways, with participants expressing optimism about gaining real work experience in their chosen trade.

“I’ve been wanting to get back into a routine like this after previously finding it difficult,” one graduate said.

“I’m proud that I’ve stuck it out and finished the program, and I want to thank everyone who has helped me get these qualifications and hopefully a career.”

The Renewal SA Works Program drives economic outcomes through employment, work experience and immersion opportunities embedded in the agency’s contracts and partnerships.