About 3,000 training opportunities and 500 work experience placements have been delivered in Adelaide’s northern suburbs through a long-standing Renewal SA program that supports people with pathways into employment.

The placements, which include young people who may be at risk, are part of initiatives led by Renewal SA’s Works Program, which has more broadly facilitated about 5,600 work experience and training opportunities across South Australia over the past two decades.

About one-third of all program participants have moved on to paid employment afterwards.

Skye Bayne, Renewal SA’s Executive Director who oversees the program, now in its 18th year, said the Works Program was part of the agency’s DNA and has delivered strong employment outcomes across the development industry.

“We see participants, some of whom are young and have left school, have life-changing experiences through the Works Program,” Ms Bayne said.

“Often, we’re helping to support people with pathways to careers who are really struggling to find their way into employment.

“The way that can change the trajectory of someone’s life is really special.”

Work experience placements through the Works Program provide real-world, hands-on opportunities in active workplaces, helping participants build skills they can draw on in job interviews and future careers, while training, in partnership with registered training organisations help participants develop broad skills for entering the workforce.

The strong results in the northern suburbs are largely driven by the scale and growth of Renewal SA’s Playford Alive residential development, stretching across Munno Para, Davoren Park, Andrews Farm and Smithfield Plains.

Economic Development Commitments (EDCs) within the agency’s procurement and supply agreements require most large organisations engaged by Renewal SA to participate in the Works Program.

Playford Alive is Renewal SA’s longest running project, with dozens of businesses participating in the Works Program since it began in 2008.

Due to the large volume of work required to transform greenfield land into builder-ready housing allotments, as is the case at Playford Alive, many placements involve civil construction companies like BMD Group.

“Supporting Renewal SA’s Works Program is about more than delivering infrastructure,” BMD Group Operations Manager Paul Sorgiovanni said.

“It’s about creating real opportunities for people who may not otherwise have access to opportunities in our industry.”

BMD Group is currently delivering earthworks for Playford Alive East, including roads and footpaths, as well as sewer, water, stormwater, electricity and communications infrastructure for what will eventually be about 1,300 homes.

During its three years on the project, BMD Group has facilitated eight work experience placements through the Works Program.

“As an organisation, we see it as our responsibility to help build capability within the local community, providing hands-on experience, mentorship and pathways into long-term employment,” Mr Sorgiovanni said.

“Programs like this don’t just change individual outcomes, they strengthen the industry and the communities we work in.”

Construction companies building homes in the area are also involved, along with landscapers, sales agents and marketing services supporting the project.

“It’s a condition of contract that if you are doing substantial work with Renewal SA, you’re required to create a place for one of our participants to learn the ropes,” Ms Bayne said.

The program began in 2008 as a community training and employment model, designed to embed social inclusion into the urban renewal activities of the former Land Management Corporation, now Renewal SA.

Participants engage with the program either directly through Renewal SA or through third-party employment services and training organisations.

Mitchell Barnes has had multiple connections to the Works Program and in 2021, was recognised in the Playford Alive Local Hero Awards after securing an apprenticeship with landscaping company GreenInc.

At the time, Mr Barnes said the opportunity provided by the Works Program was the best thing that had happened to him, and that sentiment still holds true today.

“Time has flown and so far, I’m still loving landscaping, it’s the best trade and it’s definitely the right fit for me,” he said.

Now signed off on his apprenticeship, Mr Barnes is still involved with the Works Program and will soon oversee upcoming placements while continuing to take on new responsibilities.

“About a year ago I got into an operator role and got promoted to supervisor, I’m currently running a $1.5 million streetscaping and reserve project.

“I’ve learned so much and have been able to get my MR licence, Traffic Management certification, Skid Steer and excavator tickets.”

Outside of work, Mr Barnes’ personal life has also progressed.

“I’m still living in Munno Para and now have a son. In the next few years, I’m hoping to buy my own home and do a project management course so I can become a Project Manager,” he said.

Ms Bayne said Mitchell’s story was just one of many that have come from the Works Program since it began and shows its immense value.

Works Program participants are currently active across Renewal SA developments including Bowden, Noarlunga, Prospect Corner, Seaton and Southwark Grounds.

The Works Program also offers industry immersion and engagement activities, including site tours of active works sites for school groups and visits to education facilities, reaching more than 6,000 participants to date.